• Retiring from the military is a milestone and should be marked appropriately.military shooting image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
  
  Retiring is a milestone in a person's life, and retiring from the military is certainly no exception. A military retirement should celebrate all of your loved one's achievements and give him a chance to reflect on all his military memories, catch up with old military friends and remember lives lost during his career. When giving your loved one a gift for retiring from the military, choose something meaningful to both you and your loved one.
  
  

Military Shadow Box

• A military shadow box is kind of like a keepsake box from any period of your life. This gift is special because you put it together based on specific experiences your loved one had during her time in the military. You could include patches from each squadron or division she has been involved with and coins from every country she was stationed in. The box itself is generally wooden, lined with velvet and has a clear glass top to see the items fastened inside. You can purchase the box, as well as most patches and coins, at most military base exchange stores or clothing stores inside the base.
  
  

Military Ring

• Military rings are available for every branch of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. The rings are available in sterling silver and 14K gold, in men's and women's sizes. Generally, the ring will include the insignia of your loved one's military division, as well as years served. Some companies also let you add an engraved message on the ring. The ring is not only a symbol of his military accomplishments, but also represents the never-ending circle of love you both entered into when you were married.
  
  

Flag Display Case

• Many retirees from the military receive a U.S. flag when they retire, either as a gift from a friend or family member or from the military itself. Purchase a flag display case for your loved one so she can proudly display the flag and other memorabilia from her military career and always look fondly back on her achievements. Flag display cases are generally made of wood with a clear glass cover and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The flag is folded and inserted into the case, along with other military memorabilia such as photos, medals, awards, letters or other personal items.
  
  

Throw a Party

• Sometimes, a gathering of close friends and family members is the best gift you can give your military retiree. Choose a date when everyone on your guest list can attend. Be sure your loved one's close family members attend. Also, invite his close friends and military buddies that have served time with your loved one. Print out old photos of his time in the military for guests to reminisce over. Serve his favorite food. Include a nice cake for the retiree. At some point during the party, give a toast to your loved one, telling him how proud you are and how much his service has meant not only to party guests, but also to the United States. Your toast is sure to bring a few tears to even the hardest military man.