Retirements are a closing of one chapter and beginning of a new one...

After 20 or more years of faithful service, retirement from the Armed Forces marks the closing of a chapter in life. After a lifetime of dedication, military members quietly take off their uniform one last time and cherish the keepsakes that represent their time in service. Often, an American flag is presented to the retiree as a symbol of honor, a reminder of their sacrifices, and a gesture of gratitude from a thankful nation.

This particular flag display, crafted from solid walnut with a maple accent, represents the culmination of the career of an Air Force officer who served for over 21 years. He worked as an engineer for the Air Force, developing various technologies, and concluded his service by contributing to the F-35 Lightning II program, ensuring new releases of technology met required performance standards. The flag inside was flown on each variant of the F-35 in both the U.S. and U.K. inventories as a token of gratitude. The maple accent will house a customized plaque that his family will place at his retirement ceremony as a symbol of closing one chapter of his life.