Lest We Forget: Masterpieces of Patriotic Jewelry and Military Decorations

Lest We Forget serves as a tribute to our men and women in service both past and present. It derives its title from the poem "Recessional" by Rudyard Kipling, often used as a tribute in war memorials, while its contents chronicle our military history since the Revolution through 150 iconic artifacts. It showcases such diverse items as the Washington Peace Medals to the Indians, the earliest Medals of Honor, Civil War Corps badges, British military decorations, and historic French treasures. Drawn from leading world museums and private collections, these objects movingly recall the role of decorations and jewelry in commemorating war and peace.