As Memorial Day approaches, we prepare to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military.
So this year, on Memorial Day if y’all see a full beer sitting pretty on the bar, untouched, here’s why:
“THE MISSING MAN TABLE” - While we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, it's essential not to overlook those who remain missing and unaccounted for.
The Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table, is a ceremonial display commonly found in military dining facilities, veteran organizations, and memorial events. It serves as a powerful visual representation of remembrance and pays tribute to those who are missing or prisoners of war.
Symbolism of the Table:
The Table: The table itself represents the empty chair and the absence left by the fallen or missing servicemember. It symbolizes the void left in the lives of loved ones and in our nation.
The White Tablecloth: A symbol of purity, the white tablecloth signifies the pure intentions and selflessness of those who served.
The Single Red Rose: Placed in a vase, the red rose represents the bloodshed and sacrifice of the fallen. It serves as a reminder of the love and devotion that families and friends hold for their missing loved ones.
The Yellow Ribbon: A symbol of hope, the yellow ribbon tied around the vase represents the everlasting determination to bring missing servicemembers home.
The Lemon: A slice of lemon on the plate represents the bitter fate of those who are missing and may never return.
The Salt: A small dish of salt signifies the tears shed by families and loved ones who long for their missing servicemembers to return home.
The Inverted Glass: The inverted glass signifies that the missing servicemember is not able to partake in the meal.
The Candle: The lit candle represents the guiding light of hope that illuminates the way home for missing or imprisoned servicemembers.
