Memorial Day and The Missing Man Table - What It Means

The Missing Man Table

By Annalisa C. Underwood

Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division

If you’ve ever been to a military ball, stepped inside a chow hall, or attended an event at a military veterans association in your local community, you’ve likely noticed the small, round table that is always set but never occupied—the prisoners of war/missing in action (POW/MIA) table.

The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of our prisoners of war and missing comrades has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War. The manner in which this table is decorated is full of special symbols to help us remember our brothers and sisters in arms.

The POW/MIA table is smaller than the others, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors. This table is separate from the others and can be set for one to four place settings to represent each service participating in the event.

• The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms.
• The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us.
• The table itself is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.
• The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God.
• The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. A Purple Heart medal can be pinned to the napkin.
• The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.
• The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for.
• The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate.
• The salt upon the bread plate represent the tears of their families.
• The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the evening.

The significance of the POW/MIA table is called to attention during the toast of the evening. This is an important part of many military banquets to remind us that the strength of those who fight for our country often times rests in the traditions that are upheld today. As we celebrate the Navy’s birthday this week and you find yourself at one of the many birthday events that will take place around the world, take the time to reflect on why that small, lone table is there and raise a glass for our fallen comrades.

Our lovely host, Beth at the 2018 Memorial Day hamburger cookout at PVC

Just a glimpse of the line of people waiting for their burger or hot dog at PVC Memorial Day Cookout, 2018.

 

May 2018 - Back At The Cabin...

Another season starts for us at our little getaway this month.

During the winter, the Gazebo we had collapsed due to 5" of snow on top of the canvas topper, so we had a local guy tear the thing down and throw it away.  This is what it looks like now with the gazebo gone.

Cabin area with our gazebo gone.

We decided to get a couple of umbrellas to keep the sun off us on hot days instead of getting another cheap Gazebo.  We'll just wait until this summer to see if an umbrella is sufficient.

We also had to get a new awning for the trailer.  It had holes in it and the springs were broken an it wouldn't roll up anyway.  As the saying goes - it's always something. :)

Hay fever has got Kathy and I down for the last week.  The pollen is REALLY bad this year.  I actually went to the doctor because I was having trouble;e breathing, but in the last week ( today is 5-16-2018) we've had a little rain and that knocks the pollen off the trees so it's a little better today than a couple of days ago.

What else did we do?  Oh yeah.  I hired a plumber to re-plumb the PVC piping under the cabin.  Whoever did it before did a terrible job and there were leaks everywhere.

Old plumbing.  Lot's of leaks and lots of couplings.  Everything redone now.  Looks great!

So the gazebo, cabin plumbing and trailer awning were the big renovations to get ready for the 2018 season.  Now I'm getting ready to pimp out the golf cart!