Posted on 09/06/2006 2:58:00 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
We missed you both. Mark your calendars now for next year. We want you there. Second Saturday in September!
You're welcome. Wish you could have been with us. Maybe next year?
You had your face away from the camera, boohoohoo.
LOL. When? There are lots of photos of me....way too many, much to my dismay. Mama_Bear is camera shy, you know. :-)
It was nice meeting you and your beautiful family REDWOOD, and your little dog, too. Hope you can make it next year. Mark your calendar now.
You guys made this a great outing for my family. We will be there next year.
I appreciate you so much, not just for volunteering to do this, but for all you do for this forum. And thanks for bringing Mrs. DD with you. It is always a pleasure having you two join us.
Great! :-)
Tell Melanie, Redwood says "Hey."
Thanks for your kind words. It was my pleasure to help out.
the text...
"As you entered the picnic area today, you may have noticed this table - it is reserved to honor our missing comrades in arms from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. They are commonly called P.O.W or M.I.A. Among the ranks of the military they are called "BROTHERS".
Variations of this "POW/MIA Honors Ceremony" have been presented over the years during military functions, and often aboard U.S. Navy ships in the mess hall. This ceremony serves to remind us that they are with us, here in spirit, and we remember them today because, as Americans, we must never forget the sacrifice of our brave men and women who answered our nation's call and served the cause of freedom.
I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table.
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
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 POW/MIAs… REMEMBER
A slice of lemon is on the plate to remind us of their bitter fate… REMEMBER
There is salt upon the plate, symbolic of the family’s tears as they wait… REMEMBER
The glass is inverted--they cannot toast with us today… 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
Though we may or may not have served directly with these warriors, they are our comrades. We depended on their courage, their skills, their might and aid.
We relied upon them, and surely, they have not forsaken us.
REMEMBER
Let us pray that all of our POW/MIAs will finally be accounted for.
Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices.
May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families."
afnamvet & wifeofafnamvet
An excellent presentation Diver Dave. Very well done.
Will do!
That will be really nice if you can join our group for our first FRiday of the month rallies. We can definitely use more people out there. Sometimes we are outnumbered by the leftists who gather on the "other" corner. That is not good.
It was great meeting you REDWOOD99.
Thanks for thinking to post that. Many people do not know the symbolism of the POW/MIA Table. I didn't know about it until my niece sent me an article about a sailor who volunteered to care for a POW/MIA table that was set up in the mess hall on his ship.
I think this is an important tradition to keep at our annual picnic.
Thank you, friend, for leading us in the Blessing. ((((HUGS)))))! :-)
You, too!
Thank you. It's a struggle fighting tears with that ceremony.
Great pictures. Thanks afnamvet.
Thank you for posting the pictures.
I love the Table Set for One. The picture is wonderful. Also thanks for posting the significance of the items on the table.
You did a great job with the presentation.
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