Things like this are one of the only reasons that I go to ceremonies, aside from honoring thoes who serve beside me that are being awarded for their hard work... This is something that they commonly do at any ceremony we have where food is served in my wing, I don't know if they do it elsewhere, but it goes like this, announced by the ceremony announcers... its shit like this that makes me want to cry, it really does.




As you entered the dining area this evening, you may have noticed a small table in the place of honor near our head table. It is set for one. The military caste is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that the members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called, POW/MIA. We call them brothers. They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them because of their incarceration.

This table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember!

The tablecloth 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 kept the faith awaiting their return. Remember!

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

The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us this night. Remember!

The chair, the chair is empty, they are not here. Remember!