IMHO you earned the awards you should have the right to display them, even after leaving the service. I do not believe this should be limited to a shadow box on your den wall. However, I believe that there is a tradition to how they are displayed. I know of no time that a civilian should wear the full medal and there are few time that most active duty wear the full medal.

Miniature medals should be worn at very formal affair when in a PC or better and when military would be wearing the same miniatures on their dress uniforms.

Ribbons on the other hand should be worn more frequently. As stated before, miniature medal ribbon(s) on the lapel of a suit jacket. Miniature ribbons, badges and awards on Argyle jackets when worn as a tux.

When my father passed I came into his kilt (man was he skinny) and kilt shirt. On the kilt shirt, displayed in the same manner as on a Class A uniform are his CIB, ribbons and unit citations. I don't think I ever saw him go to a Celtic even with out this shirt.

We as a nation then to forget those that served after they leave active duty. Moderators forgive me, in this I include the VA, Congress and president. Perhaps if veterans would identify themselves a little more they would get more respect.
Moderators sorry for the soap box.

I this light I wear on my suit coats a miniature ribbon of yellow with red strips.

On Sunday 11/11 and Monday 11/12 I think all veterans should stand up once again and some how identify yourselves.