For those who spent four years by the Thames River, New London isn't just a dot on a map. It’s where you survived Swab Summer, marched on Washington Parade Field, and learned what it truly means to be Semper Paratus.
Whether you graduated five years ago or fifty, your time at the Academy forged you into a leader. But as you look around your home office or den today, does your decor reflect the dignity of that service?
For many USCGA alumni, the Officer Sword presented or purchased at graduation is a cherished symbol. Yet, it often suffers a faded fate: stuck in a generic shadow box from the exchange, or worse, hidden in the back of a closet for "safekeeping."
Your service didn't end when you took off the uniform, and your symbols of leadership shouldn't be hidden. Here is how to upgrade your display to match the sophistication of your post-Academy life.
1. Elevating the Standard: The Universal Sword Display
The standard-issue sword mount served its purpose when you were an Ensign on your first cutter. But as you've advanced in your career—whether rising to the Flag ranks or transitioning to success in the civilian sector—your style has evolved.
We designed our Universal Sword Display for the discerning alumnus. It offers a clean, architectural look that treats your sword like the piece of art history it is. Most importantly, it gives you options.
While the traditional "Cognac" matches the uniform items, many alumni prefer our Black Walnut or Natural Maple finishes.
Walnut: Rich and dark, it commands attention in a study lined with books or certificates.
Maple: Bright and modern, perfect for a contemporary home office.
It’s a subtle way to say "Coast Guard" without making your office look like a recruiting station.
Our Dedicated Coast Guard Display: This was the very first design I created, inspired by the cadets I hosted. It's precision-crafted specifically for the Coast Guard Officer sword and finished in our signature Cognac stain for a classic, timeless look.
Shop the Universal Sword Display Collection
Explore The Dedicated Coast Guard Display
2. Personalizing Your Conversation Piece
The bond of a graduating class is unbreakable. When you order a display from Blades Raised, you aren't stuck with a generic plaque.
Our laser-engraved nameplates allow you to capture the full scope of your identity. Consider an engraving that highlights your Academy connection:
LCDR Jane Doe, USCG (Ret)
USCGA Class of 2005
Semper Paratus
This turns the display from a simple sword holder into a tribute to your specific place in the Coast Guard lore.
3. From Cutters to Command: The Coin Collection
A Coast Guard career is defined by its diversity—from icebreakers in the Arctic to small boat stations in the Gulf. Your challenge coin collection is the map of that journey.
Instead of keeping them in a drawer, curate them. A Solid Maple Coin Display on your desk allows you to showcase the coins that mean the most—your Class coin, your first cutter, your Command coin. It’s a powerful conversation starter that allows you to share the unique, multi-mission story of the Coast Guard with clients, colleagues, or grandchildren.
4. A Legacy for the Next Generation
Perhaps you have a son or daughter eyeing an appointment, or maybe even a grandchild currently struggling through Swab Summer.
Displaying your sword isn't just about vanity; it's about legacy. It serves as a daily visual reminder of the values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. By giving your sword a place of honor, you are silently passing those values on to the next generation every time they walk into the room.
You navigated the rigorous academics, the physical demands, and the leadership challenges of the Academy. You served a nation that relies on you to be Always Ready. Don't let the symbol of that service gather dust.
Go Bears.
- The Blades Raised Team
