POW and MIA Table

 We call your attention to this small table which occupies a place of dignity and

honor. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces

are missing from our ranks. They are referred to as POWs and MIAs.

We call them comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and

families, so we join together to pay humble tribute to them, and to bear witness

to their continued absence.

The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or

her suppressors.

The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to

their Country’s call to arms.

The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to

ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also

reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep faith,

while awaiting their return.

The red ribbon on the vase represents the red ribbons worn on the lapels of the

thousands who demand, with unyielding determination, a proper account of

our comrades who are not among us.

A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.

The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of

families as they wait.

The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time.

The chair is empty. They are NOT here.

The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to

illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to open arms of a grateful

nation.

The American flag reminds us that many of them may never return—and have

paid the supreme sacrifice to insure our freedom.