I went to a prayer breakfast on post this morning at 0600 hours to commemorate and celebrate Memorial Day. The Evergreen Club was filled with people, Soldiers in uniform, Retirees like me, family members, and spouses. There were so many people occupying all of the tables there. Yet, in the front, there is one small table, empty and guarded by two Soldiers.
Let me just educate you for a minute on this one. In all military celebrations and official ceremonies, you will always see a small table dedicated to our “Fallen Soldiers” who never made it back. During the official ceremony and toasts such as “To the United States of America,” “To the Commander in Chief,” etc., everyone will respond the same while raising their glasses and will drink from their glasses. But a special toast is always made at the end, reciting the items below and explaining the table of our Fallen Soldier.
“This Table, It is Small – set for one, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his/her oppressors.
The Table Cloth is White – symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.
The Single Rose – displayed in the vase reminds us of the families and friends of our mission brothers/sisters who keep faith while awaiting their return.
The Red Ribbon – tied prominently on the vase reminds us of the red ribbons worn on the lapels and brothers/sisters who are not among us tonight.
The Place Setting – single, alone no friends or family to dine with.
A slice of Lemon – reminds us of their bitter fate.
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 – reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to light the way home: from their captors to the open arms of a grateful nation.
The Bible – represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from us, from our country, founded as one nation under God.
Let us pray to the Supreme Commandant that all our brothers will soon again be among our ranks.”
And when the narrator says, “To our Fallen Comrade,” Silence is the appropriate response, and no one is to drink from their glasses.
To all my comrades - You are never forgotten…..
May God forever watch you, protect you, and your families.
HOOAH!!!!
From Ella - US Army Retiree
17 March 1988 - 31 December 2009
