You Are Not Forgotten

At every formal military ceremony, there is an empty chair at an empty table.  It is placed there to honor the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action service members who are not with us.  It breaks my heart to see this table.  Below is a picture of the empty table, and a transcription of the plaque.

This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our

profession of arms are missing from our midst.  They are commonly 

called P.O.W./M.I.A., we call them "Brother."  They are unable to be

with us this evening because of their incarceration, so tonight we

think of them.

The table -- set for one is small -- to show the frailty of one

prisoner alone against his oppressors.

Remember.

The table cloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their

intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.

Remember.

The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved

ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return.

Remember.

The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the

red ribbon worn on the lapels and breasts of thousands who bear

witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper

accounting for our missing.

Remember.

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter

fate.

Remember.

There is salt upon the bread plate symbolic of the family's tears as

they wait.

Remember.

The glass is inverted -- they cannot toast with us today.

Remember.

The chair -- The chair is empty -- They are not here --

Remember.

Remember -- all of you who have served with them and called them

comrades.  Who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them.

Remember.  For surely, they have not forgotten you.