A Special Memorial Day Table

Last year, Pat and her husband attended the annual Memorial service and dinner at the local Veteran's Hall. She was amazed and humbled while the featured speaker talked about a small, special table that was set for one person among the banquet tables. Pat wanted to set this week's table in tribute to all those who gave so much to our country.

The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of prisoners of war and missing comrades has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War. The way the table is set and decorated is full of special symbols to help remember those "brothers and sisters in arms."

The quotes were taken from the speech that night:

"The table set for one is small - symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors....Remember...."

"The tablecloth is white - symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms....Remember."

"A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate....Remember."  "There is salt upon the bread plate - symbolic of the families' tears as they wait.....Remember."

"The single red rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return......Remember"  "The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing.....Remember"

"The glass is inverted - they cannot toast with us this night....Remember"

The candle is lit - symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit.....Remember"

"The chair - the chair is empty. They are not here.....Remember"

Pat placed the table close to the dining table

Where it came from:
White Dinnerware - "Centura" by Corning (Pat's wedding dinnerware nearly fifty years ago)
Flatware - "Sculpt" by Lenox from Tuesday Morning two years ago
Water Goblet - from the Dollar Tree
Salt Shaker - from Pier 1 two or three years ago (set of six individual shakers)

We will be joining the following Blog parties this week:
"Dishing It! & Digging It!" at Rustic & Refined this Sunday:  http://www.rustic-refined.com/
"Tablescape Thursday" at Between Naps on the Porch:  http://betweennapsontheporch.net/