The Fallen Soldier's Table

Those who have served and those currently serving the uniformed services of the
United States are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always
been tainted by the bitterness of personnel sacrifice.

They are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, others  
 who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain and internment.

Before we begin our activities this evening, we will pause to recognise our POW's
and MIA's.

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.