1 The rank abbreviation must also be written correctly, be certain about which letter needs to be in higher and lower cases. 2  Dates. 3  This varies depending on the purpose of the plaque. 4  In military the most typical ones are the award or presentation plaques, retirement or going away plaque and memorial plaque. Dates. 2  This varies depending on the purpose of the plaque. 3  In military the most typical ones are the award or presentation plaques, retirement or going away plaque and memorial plaque.