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MISSING MAN CEREMONY

Program presented by AHS ROTC:

 

Missing Man Table Ceremony

From Wikipedia: The Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table,[1] is a semi-official place of honor in some dining facilities of the U.S. armed forces in memory of fallen, missing, orimprisoned military service-members.[2] The table serves as the focal point of ceremonial remembrance, originally growing out of US concern of the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue.[3][4]

Symbolism

 
A missing man table featured during a 2009 ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base.

Table: set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one isolated prisoner. The table is usually set close to, or within sight of, the entrance to the dining room. For large events of the Missing Man Table is set for six places: members of the five armed services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) and a sixth place setting reminiscent of the civilians who died during service alongside the armed forces or missing during armed conflict .[9] Table is round to represent everlasting concern on the part of the survivors for their missing loved ones.[10]

Ceremony Script

Table Ceremony Script...Generally the table is being set while the script is read.

  • The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebration tonight. And we remember them. (ring bell)
  • The table is small, and set for one -- Symbolizing the vulnerability of a lone prisoner against his captors. Remember! (ring bell)
  • The tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing purity of intention in responding to the nation's call to arms. Remember! (ring bell)
  • The chair is empty, for they are not here. Remember! (ring bell)
  • The wine glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember! (ring bell)
  • The slices of lemon -- Reminding us of their bitter suffering. Remember! (ring bell)
  • The grains of salt -- Representing the countless tears of the families. Remember! (ring bell)
  • The single red rose -- Reminding us of loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember! (ring bell)
  • The burning candle and yellow ribbon -- Symbolizing everlasting hope of a reunion with the missing. Remember! (ring bell)
  • Remember! -- All who have served alongside them; we who have donned the same proud uniform, being sworn to the same faith and allegiance -- We will never forget their sacrifice. Remember! (ring bell)
  • Remember! -- Until the day they return home, or find eternal peace, we will remember. (ring bell)