thetable

The Table of Remembrance

This small table, is a table of remembrance.

It is set for four.

It represents the four services of war;

The Army, the Marines, the Naval Forces and the Air Force.

This table symbolizes that members of our professional

arms are missing from our midst.

They call them POW-MIAs;

We call them brothers, fathers, uncles, and friends;

They are unable to be with us so,

we remember them each day.

This table set for four is a small table.

Symbolizing the fragility of prisoners,

Alone against the oppressors....remember.

This table is white to symbolize

the purity of their intentions.

To respond to their country's call to arms...remember.

This single white rose displayed in a vase

symbolizes the families and loved ones,

who keep the faith, awaiting their return.

The red ribbon, worn upon the lapel and

breast of thousands,

who bear witness to their determination,

to demand a proper accounting of our missing....remember.

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate

to remind us of their bitter faith....remember.

There is salt upon the bread plate to

symbolize the family's tears

as they wait...and wait...and wait....remember.

The glasses are inverted.

They cannot toast with us this season....remember.

Remember all of you who served with them,

who called them comrades,

who depended upon their might and aid,

and relied upon them.

For surely, they have not forgotten you.

Remember...

(Author Unknown)

This passage was printed in the booklet that given to visitors of

"The Vietnam Wall Experience 2000"