“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
The Missing Man Table
By Shannon Pederson
On September 15 and 16, members of the military, both active and retired, will celebrate MIA/POW (Missing in Action/Prisoners of War) Recognition Day and American Legion Day. In honor of these two celebrations, I’d like to tell you about a tradition practiced by the American Legion each time they gather for their annual fall dinner.
The tradition, little known to the general public, is called “The Missing Man Table. It had its beginnings with a group of fighter pilots who flew in Vietnam. But what was started by the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association -- the so-called River Rats of Vietnam -- has, during the intervening years, spread to all other branches of the military where missing man tables, or remembrance tables, are set when units or commands gather for dinners or reunions.
As you enter the dining room, you notice a small table in a place of honor in the room. It is set for one. This table is a way of symbolizing the fact that members or our armed forces are missing from our midst. The missing are officially called MIAs and POWs, but members of the American Legion refer to them as “Brothers” or “Comrades.”
The small size of the table and the single place setting symbolize the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors. The tablecloth is white, for the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.
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. The red ribbon tied around the vase represents their love for our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call and as a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing. The ribbon is yellow at some Air Force celebrations.
The candle, which is lit, 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. A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. There is salt on the bread plate also, which is symbolic of the families tears as they wait.
The Bible represents the spiritual strength and faith to sustain those lost from our country. The glass is inverted because they cannot toast with their fellow soldiers on this night. The chair is empty. They are not present to occupy it.
Those who have served and those currently serving the uniformed services of the United States are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation and internment.
All who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, remember. Until the day they come home, they remember! And, how important it is for us to remember and appreciate the liberties they make possible. May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.
By Shannon Pederson
On September 15 and 16, members of the military, both active and retired, will celebrate MIA/POW (Missing in Action/Prisoners of War) Recognition Day and American Legion Day. In honor of these two celebrations, I’d like to tell you about a tradition practiced by the American Legion each time they gather for their annual fall dinner.
The tradition, little known to the general public, is called “The Missing Man Table. It had its beginnings with a group of fighter pilots who flew in Vietnam. But what was started by the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association -- the so-called River Rats of Vietnam -- has, during the intervening years, spread to all other branches of the military where missing man tables, or remembrance tables, are set when units or commands gather for dinners or reunions.
As you enter the dining room, you notice a small table in a place of honor in the room. It is set for one. This table is a way of symbolizing the fact that members or our armed forces are missing from our midst. The missing are officially called MIAs and POWs, but members of the American Legion refer to them as “Brothers” or “Comrades.”
The small size of the table and the single place setting symbolize the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors. The tablecloth is white, for the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.
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. The red ribbon tied around the vase represents their love for our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call and as a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing. The ribbon is yellow at some Air Force celebrations.
The candle, which is lit, 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. A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. There is salt on the bread plate also, which is symbolic of the families tears as they wait.
The Bible represents the spiritual strength and faith to sustain those lost from our country. The glass is inverted because they cannot toast with their fellow soldiers on this night. The chair is empty. They are not present to occupy it.
Those who have served and those currently serving the uniformed services of the United States are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation and internment.
All who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, remember. Until the day they come home, they remember! And, how important it is for us to remember and appreciate the liberties they make possible. May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:26