REMEMBER

As you entered this field of honor, perhaps you noticed the table. It is set for four -- it represents the Armed Services, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

Please let me explain:

The military is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of symbolizing that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called “POWs” - “MIAs" — we call them “brothers”. They are unable to be with us and so we remember them in this way.

The table set for four is small –symbolizing the frailty of the prisoners alone against their oppressors.

The table cloth is white—symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.

The single rose displayed in a vase symbolizes the families and loved ones who keep the faith—awaiting their return.

The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breast of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting 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—symbolic of the families tears as they wait.

The glass is inverted—they cannot toast with us this season.

The chairs are empty—they are not here.

Remember—all of you who served with them and called them comrades and relied upon them for surely they have not forgotten you---