As a Navy officer, I’ve learned that serving alongside United States Marines is a privilege. Their ethos is forged in a crucible of leadership, character, and an unyielding warrior spirit, a journey that begins in the demanding hills of Quantico, Virginia.
If your son or daughter is a candidate at Officer Candidates School (OCS) or a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant at The Basic School (TBS), you are part of a special tradition. It's a world of intense training where every symbol matters. For Marines, who have a fierce pride and an incredible respect for symbolism, displaying their hard-earned honors is a huge part of the culture.
This guide is for you. As a fellow officer and a craftsman of military heirlooms, I want to help you find the perfect way to honor their incredible achievement.
1. The Mameluke: A Sword Forged in History
The Marine Corps Officer's sword, the Mameluke, is perhaps the most famous symbol of their commission. It is the oldest ceremonial weapon in the U.S. military, a tradition dating back to 1805 and the First Barbary War, when Prince Hamet Karamanli presented his own Mameluke sword to Marine First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon as a token of respect for his Marines' heroic actions.
Our Universal Sword Display provides a worthy and secure home for this iconic sword. Available in three hardwood finishes (Maple, Walnut, & Cognac), it allows you to create a tribute that perfectly matches their personal style.
A Pro-Tip on Engraving: Focus on the Milestone, Not the Rank. The journey to becoming a Marine Officer is the achievement. For a timeless gift, engrave the nameplate with the event itself. A plaque that reads "Second Lieutenant Jane P. Doe" will be outdated in a couple of years. Instead, something like, "Jane P. Doe, United States Marine Corps, Commissioned 17 October 2025" will be cherished for their entire career.
Discover the Universal Display for the Marine Officer Sword
2. The Ethos of the Rifleman: The Ka-Bar Knife
"Every Marine is a rifleman." This core belief is fundamental. Long before they earn their Mameluke, many Marines develop a deep respect for another blade: the Ka-Bar. First issued to Marines in World War II, the Ka-Bar became an icon of the Pacific campaign, a rugged, indispensable tool for a warrior.
Our Personalized Ka-Bar Knife Display Block, handcrafted from solid cherry wood, provides a dignified stand for this legendary blade.
(Please note: We do not sell knives, only the handcrafted displays. Your Marine may already have a cherished Ka-Bar. If you're looking to purchase one as a gift, we recommend trusted vendors like the authentic Ka-Bar fighting knife.
Explore The Personalized Ka-Bar Knife Display
3. Capturing the Milestone: Earning the Title "Marine Officer"
The moment a candidate at OCS successfully completes the trials and is presented with their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA) pin is a profound, life-changing event. It is the symbol of their acceptance into the brotherhood and sisterhood of the Corps.
This marks their transition to an officer, a role that comes with its own unique and historic uniform items. You'll soon see them wearing the Mameluke sword, the distinct "quatrefoil" cross pattern on the top of their barracks cover (a design dating back to the 1800s to identify officers from sharpshooters in the rigging of ships), and their gold officer insignia.
Our Personalized Commissioning Plaque is the perfect way to frame a cherished 5x7 photo from that proud day—perhaps a photo of them pinning on their 2nd Lt bars or receiving their EGA—alongside their Marine Corps Officer Crest and a custom engraved message.
Design a Custom Commissioning Plaque
4. A Career in Symbols: The Challenge Coin Display
A Marine Officer's career is an expeditionary one. They rarely stay in one place for long, but they will collect challenge coins from every unit, deployment, and school. A Marine Officer can easily collect 5-10 new coins each year, and their collection grows quickly. Our Personalized Coin Display is a gift that provides a stable, honorable home for these symbols of their travels and accomplishments.
Shop Our Engraved Challenge Coin Displays
5. Advice for Parents: A Career on the Move
The Marine Corps is America's expeditionary force. They are developed into the best leaders in the world because they are expected to move every 1-3 years, constantly adapting and taking charge of new teams.
Durability is Key: This high tempo means they live a life of constant movement. Gifts need to be durable. Our displays are built with a "PCS-proof" French cleat system, designed to be easily and securely re-mounted after every single move.
The Timing of Gifts: Consider waiting to present a large gift like a sword display until they are settled at their first "real" duty station after all their follow-on schools. It makes that first house or apartment feel truly special and saves them a headache during a hectic move.
From my family to yours, congratulations on this incredible achievement. The pride of seeing your loved one earn the title of Marine Officer is second to none. Semper Fidelis.
- The Blades Raised Team
