The document discusses the tradition of presenting retiring Navy service members with a "shadow box" at their retirement ceremony. It describes how the shadow box tradition originated in the late 1700s when commanding officers would gift departing officers memorabilia boxes. Over time, enlisted sailors adopted the tradition of presenting a box filled with the retiree's accumulated items at their ceremonies. Modern shadow boxes now contain standard items like medals, flags, and insignia representing the retiree's career accomplishments. The author recounts receiving their own shadow box in 2011, presented by their former mentor who included a story highlighting their time served together.

1. Andre Thomas Bagwell
English 1020
Section 0935
01/27/2012
“The Famous Shadow Box”
In January of 2011, 23 years of honorable, faithful service to the United States
Navy come to an end. Traditionally, retirement ceremonies honoring the retiree capture
the moment with a series of time honored customs saluting the person retiring. One of the
most precious moments of the ceremony is the presentation of the “Shadow Box”. The
“Shadow Box” has a long history dated back to the late 1700's. The customs associated
with the presentation of the box has changed throughout the years, but the meaning is still
the same. When a shipmate retires, everything must stop and we make it our duty to
honor our shipmate. I retired in January 2011 and everything stopped and my “Shadow
Box” was formally presented, and it means the world to me.
Shadow box presentations have been taking place at retirement ceremonies for
over 200 years. The United States Navy has always set the bar when honoring what we
call “Shipmates”. Shipmate simply means, the men and women that serve together in the
United States Navy. In the 1800's, enlisted men started holding retirement ceremonies.
The crew of the ship adopted the Navy officer tradition dated back to the late 1700's.
Commanding officers of ships would give his departing officer's a box after completion
of a tour of duty. This ceremony was so nice it became the basis for the presentation of
the shadow box at enlisted retirement ceremonies. This box would have memorabilia the
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2. retiree accumulated over the years. During those years, the box was like a chess and had
many items in it. The crew would place boots, uniforms, cups, and many other items that
are no longer used today.
The presentation of the shadow box has since changed, but carries the same
historic meaning. Today, our Navy keeps the traditions of the past alive by giving our
ceremonies back to history. The shadow box has many different looks in today’s Navy
but all contain the same items. In the article”Navy Retirement Ceremony Traditions” by
Tiffany Silverberg, The author gives the readers a glimpse of how current retirement
ceremonies are, and what they consist of.. “The most popular tradition of a Navy
retirement ceremony is the presentation of the shadow box” (Silverberg). She also
says, “A shadow box acts as a symbol of the sailor's many career accomplishments and
recognitions.”
As oppose to the traditional chess with everything in it, the shadow box
has changed. The box now contains the United States flag folded in a triangle, ribbons
and medals, insignia of all ranks promoted and devices. These keeps sakes act as a
reminder of the accomplishments achieved by the retiree. Some of the newest changes in
the tradition consist of adding the boatswain whistle to the box to commemorate the
retirement ceremony and the last time the sailor was piped ashore.
I was piped ashore on January 22nd 2011 for the last time and it was my turn to be
presented with the famous “Shadow Box”. One of the standing traditions that still remain,
is that someone who mentored you present your box. Master Chief Michael Thomas who
served on-board USS HARRY S TRUMAN with me, presented mine. After a brief
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3. snapshot of what the box meant, it's customary to tell a story you shared with the
honoree. Master Chief laid out a story that woke the crowd up and then knocked them
down. He reminded me of the hard work we did, the fun we had, and the camaraderie we
shared. I really enjoyed the presentation and I am sure the audience did to.
In conclusion, The “Shadow Box” has a tradition that goes back hundreds of
years. The traditions and customs associated with the box have changed, but the meaning
remains. The presentation of my shadow box was very meaningful and gave me an
overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. The Shadow box has been the staple of
retirement ceremonies for years. The presentation continues to swell tear-ducks at
retirement ceremonies to this day. I am proud to have served in the United Stated Navy
and forever proud of my “Shadow Box”.
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4. Work Cited
Article: Silverberg, Tiffany, Navy Retirement Ceremony Traditions, eHow.com,(Jan
2012)
Web: http://www.ehow.com?about_5437870_navy-retirement-ceremony-
traditions.html#ixzz1kVhzQLab
Reading: (Unknown), The Watch, (Unknown)
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