Memorial Day is a day to remember those in our armed forces who died while serving. A local restaurant is one of many that use the occasion to remember another category of people who answered the call of duty: those who are missing. The Defense Department reports that over 80,000 Americans who served are still missing today, with half presumed lost at sea.
A Missing Man table is a symbolic way to acknowledge the servicemen and women whose fate is unknown. Each element of the display has meaning:
- The white of the tablecloth represents the purity of motives
- The rose symbolizes their life
- The yellow ribbon reminds us to account for them
- The salt represents the tears of their families
- The Bible shows strength of faith
- The inverted glass reminds us they are not able to toast with us
- The empty chair is because they are missing
Just as the designation of Memorial Day was designed to create a pause and reflection to remember those who died while serving, the Missing Man table acknowledges those who never came home. Take a moment today to think about all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today.
