The table ceremony is a solemn event to remember those who have
made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. You will
see it performed at many different venues, and probably in many
different ways. However, the meaning is always the same...
The
table is round - to show our everlasting concern for our men still
missing.
The
cloth is white - symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering
the call to duty.
The
single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of
the missing, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith,
awaiting answers.
The
vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to
account for our missing.
A
slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of
those captured and missing in a foreign land.
A
pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their
families who seek answers.
The
Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost
from our country, founded as one nation under God.
The
glass is inverted - to symbolize their inability to share this evening's
toast.
The
chairs are empty - they are missing.
