MEMORIAL DAY

Missing Man Table

A missing man table, also known as a fallen comrade table, is a ceremony and memorial that is set up in military dining facilities of the United States Armed Forces and during official dining functions, in honor of fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service members.

The table set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one isolated prisoner.

The table represents everlasting concern on the part of the survivors for their missing loved ones.

The single red rose in the vase signifies the blood that many 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.

A red ribbon or yellow ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.

A slice of lemon on the plate represents the bitter fate of the missing.

Salt sprinkled on the plate is symbolic of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.

An inverted glass represents the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

A lit candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors to the open arms of a grateful nation.

The empty chair reminds us the missing and fallen are not present. The chair is typically leaning forward to the table.