Table for the Missing Solider


Happy Thanksgiving. This year I decided to make sure that we had a special table. If you have ever been to a post or a military event you might have seen a table similar to this. 
I will talk a little more about it tomorrow. But today I give you the details of the table.
We call your attention to this small table, which occupies a place of dignity and honor
near the head table, It is set for one symbolizing the fact that members of our armed
forces are missing from our ranks, they are refereed to as POW's and MIA's.

We call them comrades, They are unable to be with their loved ones and families
tonight, so we join together to pay humble tribute to them, and bear witness to their
continued absence.

This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone
against his or her suppressors.

The tablecloth is white, the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call
to arms.

The single red 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 the faith, while awaiting their return.

The yellow ribbon on the vase represents the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of
the  thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our
comrades who are not among us tonight.

A slice of lemon on the napkin 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 this night,

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 from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful
nation.

Let us pray to the supreme commander that all our comrades will be back within our
ranks.

Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices.

May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.



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