POW MIA CEREMONY
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 Corps are missing
from our ranks. They are referred 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 our 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, symbolic of 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 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.
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 plate 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, away from their captors, to the open arms of
a grateful nation.
Let us pray to the supreme commander that all of our comrades will soon 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.
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