During which ceremony do participants receive a tangible expression of appreciation for their service?

The ceremony where participants receive a tangible expression of appreciation for their service is the retirement ceremony. This event specifically marks the end of a person's military career and allows for formal recognition of their contributions and dedication throughout their service. During retirement ceremonies, individuals often receive awards, certificates, or other mementos that symbolize their achievements and sacrifices made over the years.

A retirement ceremony serves to honor the individual and demonstrate appreciation from peers, leaders, and the organization as a whole, making it a significant moment for the retiree. While change of command and award ceremonies may also include forms of recognition, they typically do not focus solely on acknowledging an individual's entire body of work and service in the same personal and comprehensive way that retirement ceremonies do. Re-enlistment, on the other hand, emphasizes the continuation of service rather than the culmination, making it less aligned with the concept of expressing appreciation for service concluded.