Need advice from military members

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

The service for my granddad was today. He was given final honors by the USAF Honor Gaurd, and everyone decided that I should be the one presented with the flag that was draped over his coffin. I want to display it in the best way possible, but I'm a little torn over what the display should say. I don't know if I would rather have it display the year he was born and the year he died or the years that he was in service. I can't go off of what I think he would have rather had displayed, because he would have chosen neither (just who he was). I also don't think there will be space to show both.

So if I could ask the military folks around here....which would you rather have shown in that scenario?

[Chimera]

Really it's up to you. It seems the display is there to celebrate his service.

But if he's like me, I would want my family to remember my entire life over my years in the military.

[Squirrel]

I would say years he lived. 

[Anybodyhome]

Typically, since the flag represents his service to the country a shadow box nameplate or engraving would normally have his dates of service:

 

(Rank) John A. Smith

United States Air Force

1942-1950

 

Here are but a couple examples of the proper shadowbox display of the flag:

 

 

 

There are several companies that build these professionally, but you can also purchase them empty and have a reputable picture framer put them together for you.

 

I have a couple flags presented to me for things I put in the simple triangle shadowbox with a simple brass plate engraved with the information on where, when and what for and attached to the base.

[TruCatzFan]

Typically, since the flag represents his service to the country a shadow box nameplate or engraving would normally have his dates of service:

 

(Rank) John A. Smith

United States Air Force

1942-1950

 

Here are but a couple examples of the proper shadowbox display of the flag:

 

 

 

There are several companies that build these professionally, but you can also purchase them empty and have a reputable picture framer put them together for you.

 

I have a couple flags presented to me for things I put in the simple triangle shadowbox with a simple brass plate engraved with the information on where, when and what for and attached to the base.

^ That post is perfect. You can always put a "RIP plate" on the back side with maybe the date of his funeral service. Just for you, and you'll always know its there. Maybe even a phrase he used often to remember the good times.

Also,very sorry to hear for your loss. I have great admiration and respect for ALL those who served before me. I go out of my way to talk to the old guys with vet hats on.