You Are Not Forgotten
Several months ago my niece, FReeper "scubachick", sent me an article from The Charlotte Observer about a tradition observed aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN75), to honor our POW/MIAs, and about the sailor who had volunteered to maintain it during his assignment in the wardroom. I had not heard of this tradition and the story touched my heart. Scubachick and I thought it would be an interesting subject for a post here on this "Finest" thread where we daily honor our military, past and present.
I have since learned that this tradition is often a part of military and veteran's banquets, dinners, and other occasions where setting up a dinner table would be appropriate.
At A Table Set For One,
A Reminder For All
Dateline, March 24, 2003, aboard the USS Harry S Truman in the Eastern Mediterranean -......by Sandy Bauers Knight Ridder
[excerpt]......Steven DeLuna approaches the tiny white table with reverence. He picks up the white plate ever so carefully. Meticulously, he dusts around the pile of salt in the center. He dusts the white tablecloth underneath.
Most of the time aboard this aircraft carrier, DeLuna, 19, of Plano, Texas, works with the Sea Sparrow air to air missile. But now, during a temporary duty in the wardroom, he's made it a personal mission to care for this solitary table, set for one, where no one ever sits.
The table is dedicated to the honor and memory of POWS and MIAS. While other chairs in the room have covers of royal blue trimmed in gold, the single chair at this table is covered in white.
Even when the room is rearranged for special events, the white table stays put.
DeLuna knows and appreciates Navy traditions. He knew what the table meant and asked to clean it during his stint in the wardroom.
"The entire time I'm cleaning", he said, "I just know that's one of those things to be solemn for. I try to be more on the respectful side, not rushing through it."
Similar tables exist throughout the military. There are variations, but most are small like this one. It's size symbolizes "the fragility of one prisoner against the oppressor", according to a small placard on the table.
Lest We Forget...
"The Missing Man Ceremony"
The Missing Man Ceremony is a dignified and solemn moment in many formal dinners and other occasions. There have been many different narratives written for the ceremony, but the symbolism is quite constant.
The Missing Man Ceremony usually follows the "Posting of the Colors" and the "National Anthem" in the order of the program.Moderator: "As you entered the Mess this evening, you may have noticed a small table in the place of honor. It is set for one. Please let me explain. The military caste is filled with symbology. 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 P.O.W or M.I.A. We call them "BROTHERS". They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them because of their incarceration.
This table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his aggressors. REMEMBER!!
The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. REMEMBER!!
REMEMBER, the single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting his return.
REMEMBER, the red ribbon tied so prominently to the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breast of those who bear witness to their unyielding 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 fate.
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!!
REMEMBER, the candle 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.
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.
Let us pray to the Supreme Commander that all of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks. Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices. May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families."
Thank you to the following sources
for information and graphics:
The Charlotte Observer
Rolling Thunder- Missing Man Ceremony
The Retired Enlisted Association
In memory of our POW/MIAs and, in particular,
these two men whose names are engraved on the
bracelets my husband and I wore for many years.
RICHARD LEE AYERS - MIA
KENNETH ROBBINS CAMERON - POW
(Died in captivity - Remains Returned 06 March 1974)
God Bless our missing and
those who wait for their return.
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((((((( scubachick ))))))) 
