Soldiers and military personnel have been hailed as heroes as long as there have been wars between different nations. From Greek mythology to the Bible, there have always been warriors and fighters who redefined the meaning of courage on the battlefield. The tales of their courage and bravery against the enemies earn them great honor, as they willingly lay their lives on the line for their country. Veterans Day is the one day of every year designated to acknowledge and show appreciation to the heroic men and women across all wars who answered the call to serve during the times of need. Before we dive into the 3D printed Veterans Day gifts, let’s look at the brief history of this holiday.

History of Veterans Day

It started as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the conclusion of World War I. A resolution was passed in Congress for an annual observance in 1926. November 11 started being observed as a national holiday in 1938. As it was called in the past, the Great War came to an end at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Veterans Day began during the tenure of President Woodrow Wilson as “Armistice Day” a year later, on the first anniversary of the end of World War I, November 11, 1919.

In his announcement, the president said, “…reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

As opposed to Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays homage to all American veterans—living or dead—but mainly shows gratitude and appreciation to the living veterans who served the nation with honor during conflict or peace.

Veterans Day Traditions

Gift giving is among one of the Veterans Day traditions for commemorating and paying homage to the heroes. Most veterans cherish the time they spent on the front lines in the service of the country. One of the best ways to thank them for their service is to present them with military-themed gifts. Items and pieces such as bottle openers, US flags, different brooches, and badges are popular gifts. You can also ship and send these gifts to your active service military friends and other organizations for veterans.

3D Printed Veterans Day Gifts

One of the most significant advantages of owning a 3D printer is that it allows you to create customized items. It is especially helpful when it comes to gift-giving. Just like any other occasion, 3D printed Veterans Day gifts are an incredible way of remembering and commemorating the service of our veterans. It is much better to 3D print a personalized gift as compared to buying something from a shop. Here is a list of some of the Veterans Day presents that you can 3D print at your home.

3D Printed Military Coin Holder

This 3D printable item is an excellent holder for military coins and badges. This model can be printed in both small and larger sizes. You can either keep this for yourself or gift it to a veteran.

STL link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/art/military-coin-holder

Stylized USMC Eagle Globe and Anchor

This 3D printable Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is a brilliant gift for veterans from the Marine Corps. It can also be used as a flagpole topper if printed in ABS.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/make:586046

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3D Printed Poppy for Veterans Day/ Remembrance Day

Another brilliant 3D printed Veterans Day gift that is simple and elegant. This poppy model can be glued onto surfaces or equipped with a pin for wearing. It can either be printed in one piece or separately in two parts.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3194481

Operation Desert Storm Coin and Medal

This is a superb 3D printable model, especially for the veterans of Operation Desert Storm. It can be used both as a coin or a medal.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2638203

Wounded Warrior Logo with Stand

You can show your support for the Wounded Warrior Project by printing and gifting this logo with a stand model.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2341940

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

These are 3D printable models of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington DC that were created for Memorial Day in 2016. It can be printed in white and painted black. As the entire scale model is really long, you can print sections of it and engrave names of your local veterans and service members who died in the war. There are replicas of the wall in WIldwood NJ, Pensacola FL, Winfield KS, and several traveling replicas.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1584188

3D Printed Veterans Day Gift – Got Your 6

This is another custom-designed model dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces for Veterans Day. It is also a very symbolic gift to remind them that they are not alone, and we thank them for their strength and honor.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1885709

Marine Corps War Memorial

This is a 3D printed model of the United States Marine Corps Memorial located in Arlington National Cemetery. The base and statue are separate pieces. The statue will stand on its own if you print it wide enough. The memorial features a statue of the famous photograph of Marines raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima in WWII. It is also a fantastic 3D printed Veterans Day gift.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1115604

Stars and Stripes Keychain

This is a simple and easy to print stars and stripes key chain model that can be gifted as Veterans Day memorabilia.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:26141

American Flag Coozie – Pencil/Sharpie Holder

Perfect for other patriotic holidays as well, it can fit most standard US cans. It also works great as a pencil or pen holder.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:910611

Articulated American Flag

This model of the American Flag is also an incredible 3D printed veterans day gift. Has it is articulated, it has the appearance of a wave.

STL link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2988640

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