If you wear the "Band of Gold," you know that The Citadel never truly leaves you. Whether you graduated last May or fifty years ago, the discipline, the camaraderie, and the memories of the parade deck are part of your DNA. You survived the Rat Line, you earned your Ring, and you joined the Long Gray Line.
Most alumni wear their Ring every day. It’s the instant identifier, the conversation starter, the symbol of the bond.
But what about your sword?
For many Citadel graduates, the Cadet Saber—or the Officer Sword acquired upon commissioning—doesn't get the same daily respect as the Ring. It’s often tucked away in a closet, stored in a cardboard box, or hanging on a forgotten hook in the garage.
Your Ring is on your finger. Your sword belongs on the wall. Here is how to upgrade your home office or den to reflect the dignity of your alma mater and your service.
1. Honoring the Institute: The Dedicated Cadet Saber Display
There is a specific nostalgia attached to the Cadet Saber. It represents the years of formation in Charleston. If you still have yours, it is a piece of history that deserves a dedicated place of honor.
Our Citadel Saber Display is precision-crafted specifically for the curvature and dimensions of the Institute Saber. We finish it in our signature Cognac stain, a classic, warm tone that feels right at home alongside leather books, mahogany desks, and Citadel memorabilia. It includes a personalized nameplate to engrave your name, Class Year, and Company—a permanent record of your place in the Corps.
Shop The Citadel Saber Display
2. The Commissioned Career: The Universal Upgrade
For the many Citadel graduates who went on to commission into the Armed Forces, the story didn't end at graduation. You likely traded your cadet saber for an Army Officer Saber, a Marine Mameluke, or a Navy Officer Sword.
As you’ve advanced in your career—military or civilian—your aesthetic has likely matured. The Universal Sword Display is designed for the discerning alumnus. It fits virtually any regulation officer sword and is available in Solid Black Walnut or Natural Maple.
The Walnut Option: This deep, rich wood is the perfect choice for a sophisticated "Old Corps" study or executive office. It commands respect without saying a word.
Discover the Universal Sword Display Collection
3. Creating the "Citadel Corner"
The most impressive home offices tell a story. Don't just hang the sword in isolation. Create a tribute wall.
Imagine your Sword Display mounted just below your framed Citadel diploma. On the shelf or desk nearby, place your Challenge Coin Display, showcasing the coins from your military service alongside your Class Coin. And right there, in a place of prominence, keep the box for your Ring when it's not on your finger.
This isn't just decoration; it's a shrine to the values of Duty, Honor, and Respect that have guided your life since you first walked through Lesesne Gate.
4. A Legacy for the Next Generation
Many Citadel families are multi-generational. You might have a child or grandchild currently walking the quad.
Displaying your sword is a powerful way to connect with them. It bridges the gap between your time in the "Old Corps" and their current experience. It serves as a daily visual reminder of the legacy they are inheriting and the high standards the family upholds.
You earned the Ring. You carried the Sword. Don't let half of your legacy gather dust in the dark. Bring it out, display it with the class it deserves, and honor the Long Gray Line.
Go Dogs.
- The Blades Raised Team
