The “Missing Man Table” at todays Rotary Lunch.
The Missing Man Table has a historical background that runs back to the Vietnam War. It was initially established to remember Prisoners of War (POWs) and Missing in Action (MIA) service members. Over time, this tradition has extended to include all fallen, missing, or imprisoned service members.
The TABLE … set for one … is small – symbolizing the loneliness we feel without them.
The TABLECLOTH is white … symbolizing the purity of their intentions and willingness to respond to their country’s call to arms.
The single ROSE in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in-arms, who kept the faith awaiting their return, and forever left behind.
The RED RIBBON tied so prominently on the vase, is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn by many who bear witness to their unyielding determination; to account for every one of our missing.
A SLICE OF LEMON is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.
There is SALT upon the bread plate too, symbolic of the river of tears shed by families and loved ones.
The GLASS is inverted … they cannot toast with us this night.
The CHAIR is empty … they are not here. Our lives are incomplete because they are not here to sit with us tonight. They were there for us … we are still here for them. In honoring them … each of them … all of them … we stand silently and face their table … the table where they should be sitting with us tonight.
We stand silently in their absence. Please raise your glass in a toast. To the Missing Man. We flew with you and called you comrade; we will never forget your ultimate sacrifice.
