The Military and many other organizations are filled with symbolism... this table is our way of symbolizing the fact that some member of our profession is missing from our midst.  These missing brothers and sisters may be absent because they are Prisoners of War, Missing in Action, being held as hostages or because they made the ultimate sacrifice to help keep us free.   Regardless of the reason they are unable to be with us today and so we remember them and their circumstances.

This table, set for one, is small symbolizing the frailty of the individual, alone, against his oppressors.

The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions in responding to their country's call

The single Rose, in a vase, reminds us of the families and loved ones who keep the faith, awaiting their return

The rose itself is red, signifying the blood shed by our comrades in the defense of our freedom.

The yellow ribbon tied around the vase is reminiscent of the ribbon worn on the lapels and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing and for the safe return of those held hostage or engaged in our defense.

The slice of lemon, on a bread plate, is to remind us of the bitterness of their fate.   And, there is salt upon the plate to remind us of the tears shed by those who wait.

The chair is empty, signifying their absence and our constant hope that they will return to us someday.  And signifying that when they do return, there is and has been a place set aside for them in our hearts and minds.

Finally, the glass is inverted to remind us that they cannot join us, nor dine with us this evening.