My oldest brother – Ronald L. Moe and my friend who sent me this, Kim Tompkins, I got a picture from a friend of mine. She is a Navy Veteran. I am of an age that still thinks it is rather odd to say that. Many women have served, my Mom and her sister were involved in the military but it was as volunteers. Mom was a nurse.

Meanwhile back at my thoughts of Veteran’s Day. I hadn’t seen this before. I have various family members who were in the military. Dad, brother various uncles. Even Mom. I had never heard of this before. But from now on I think it will be a part of my celebrations.

The explanation of this small but significant table was shared with me so I will share it with you. I was having a hard time reading this so let me help.

 

The Missing Man Table.

You may notice this small table here in a place of honor.

It is set for one.

This table is our way of symbolizing that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst.

They are commonly called P.O.W.’s or M.I.A’s, we call them brothers.

They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.

This table is small… It symbolise the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors.

The table-cloth is white… It the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.

The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in arms who keep faith awaiting their return.

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

The glass is inverted… they cannot toast with us tonight. The chair is empty… they are not here.

Remember… all of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended on their might and aid, and relied on them … for surely… they have not forsaken you.

Lest we ever forget, the cost of freedom is not free. 

My brother Ron reminded me of something I forgot. Isn’t that just like a brother?

Thank – you ALL of you that served.