We call your attention to the small table, which
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 referred to as POW’s and MIA’s.
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 table cloth 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.
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 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.
(Reading of the names of all MIA’s of Ohio. One
ring of the bell after each name.) This web site maintains a
list of MIA/POWshttp://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ Each war has a separate list so click on
proper tab The Vietnam War has
reporting capabilities and here a report I ran on Ohio
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.