There’s a phrase often heard around the Yard: "Not for self, but for country." But there’s another one that applies to those of us with a bit more salt in our hair (or less hair on our heads): "Old Goat."
If you are a USNA graduate, your time by the Severn River shaped who you are. But let’s be honest—your life looks a lot different now than it did when you tossed your cover in the air at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. You’ve moved on to senior command, a second career in the corporate world, or a well-earned retirement.
Your home office or den reflects that success. It has nice furniture, professional bookshelves, and a curated look.
So, why are you still displaying your Officer Sword like a Midshipman?
For many alumni, that cherished sword—the symbol of your commission and the "First Salute"—is sitting in the same cheap case you bought at the Midshipmen Store twenty years ago. Or worse, it’s gathering dust in the back of a closet because it doesn't fit the aesthetic of your current home.
It’s time for an upgrade. Here is how to honor your Academy legacy with the maturity and sophistication it deserves.
1. Elevate the Aesthetic: Match the Wood to the Room
When you were an Ensign, functionality was key. Now, design matters. A black plastic case or a generic shadow box can look out of place in a refined study.
We designed our Universal Sword Display specifically for the discerning alumnus. It moves away from the "military issue" look and towards fine furniture. We offer it in three distinct American hardwoods so you can match your current decor:
Black Walnut: Perfect for offices with dark leather furniture, mahogany desks, or a more traditional library feel.
Maple: Ideal for modern, bright spaces with lighter woods and clean lines.
Cognac: A classic, warm finish that bridges the gap between traditional military plaques and high-end home decor.
Your sword is a piece of history; display it on a piece of craftsmanship that looks like it belongs on your wall, not in a barracks.
Shop the Universal Sword Display Collection
Explore The Dedicated Navy Officer Sword Display
2. The "Old Goat" Narrative: Personalized for the Long Haul
When you first commissioned, your nameplate likely just said "Ensign." But your story is so much bigger now. You are part of the Long Blue Line.
Our laser-engraved nameplates allow you to tell the full story. Instead of just your rank, consider personalizing your display with your USNA Class Year.
- John Paul Jones
- USNA Class of 1985
- CAPT, USN (Ret)
This subtle shift changes the display from a "uniform item" to a permanent tribute to your alma mater and your career.
3. Curating the Clutter: The Coin Display Upgrade
Over decades of service, you likely accumulated hundreds of challenge coins. The temptation is to dump them all in a jar or a massive, cluttered rack.
The sophisticated approach for an alumni office is curation. Use a sleek, Solid Maple Coin Display to showcase just the "Greatest Hits"—the coin from your first ship, your command coin, the coin from the CNO, and your USNA Class coin. It turns a jumble of metal into a conversation piece about specific chapters of your life.
4. A Note on Heirlooms
Perhaps you have a child or grandchild currently at the Academy, trudging through Herndon or aiming for the Ring Dance. Upgrading your own display serves as a powerful example to them. It shows that the values learned at Annapolis—Honor, Courage, Commitment—are lifelong pillars, worthy of a place of honor in your home long after you hang up the uniform.
You aren't an Ensign anymore. Your display shouldn't look like one. Give your sword the place of honor it has earned over a lifetime of service.
Beat Army.
- The Blades Raised Team
