POW MIA REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
Submitted by Perry Tillman, A Co, 65
"The POW MIA Remembrance Ceremony"
As you enter the banquet hall you
may notice a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members
of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we
call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.
This Table, set for one is small -- Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner
alone against his oppressors. Remember!
This 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!
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 Candle, the candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable
spirit. 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 Glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember!
The Chair -- The chair is empty. They are not
here. Remember!Remember!
-- All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended
upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!Remember!
--
Until the day they come home, Remember!
TABLE SET UP:
1. A small, round bistro table
2. White
tablecloth
3. Single place setting, preferably all white
4. Wine glass - inverted
5.
Salt shaker
6. Slice of lemon on bread plate with a pile of spilled salt
7. Small bud vase
with a single stem red rose
8. RED ribbon tied around the vase
9. Candle - lit
10. Empty chair
