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Reading Jodi's books has created a new love of history in many readers. The blog content is supplied by readers and offers an electic and diverse look at anything historical. If you would like to contribute please email hazel@rushford.ltd. Thank you!
Happy Memorial Day from Arbutus, Maryland
This is a little history on what we do on this day.
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, during official dining functions, as well as public restaurants in honor of fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service members. The table serves as the focal point of ceremonial remembrance, originally growing out of US concern of the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue.
The missing man table may be a permanent display in dining facilities, and is also traditionally part of military dining-in ceremonies and service balls. The ceremony may also be performed in conjunction with Veterans Day and Memorial Day.The missing man table consists of the following elements:
A small table set for one, symbolising the isolation of the absent service member. The table is usually set close to, or within sight of, the entrance to the dining room.
For large events, the missing man table may be set for seven places representing each of the six armed services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force), with the seventh symbolising the civilians who died during armed conflict.
The table is usually round to represent the everlasting concern the survivors have for the missing.
One or more head covers may be placed upon the table to represent the armed service of the missing persons.
A white tablecloth to symbolise the pure intentions of the service members who responded to the country's call to arms.
A single rose in the vase symbolising the blood that service members have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of the United States of America. This rose also represents the family and friends who keep the faith while awaiting the return of the missing service members.
The red ribbon represents a love of country that inspired the service members to serve the country.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate that represents the bitter fate of the missing.
Salt sprinkled on the bread plate that symbolises the tears shed by waiting families.
An inverted glass to represent the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake.
A lit candle symbolises a light of hope that lives in hearts to illuminate the missing's way home.
An empty chair to represent the absence of the missing and fallen.
The elements are tradition, not prescribed.
Individual displays may differ depending on the availability, practicality, and appropriateness of the various elements in a particular venue.
For instance, private displays by individuals or groups will often include a Bible.
Contributed by Cindy Geppi Shockey
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