
POW
/ MIA Table
This small table
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 refried 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 the 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.
Let us pray to the SUPREME COMMANDER that
ALL of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks.
Let us remember - and never forget their
sacrifice.
May GOD forever watch over them and
protect them and their families.
Let us rededicate ourselves for this vital
endeavor.