Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
It is a fact that no one can know the feelings someone goes through when they face excruciating situations or physical pains unless they have walked in the same shoes.
The same is said for those families who lost a loved one who battled to fight for the freedom of their country.
Here in the United States of America, Memorial Day is designated as a day to remember those men and women who never came home from war, or who did but still lost their lives from the measures it made on their bodies or minds.
At the Annual Memorial Day service in New Castle, the Daughters of the American Revolution of Craig set up the POW/MIA Missing Man Remembrance Table and shared the meaning of each item.
Tina Crawford was the spokesperson. She seemed to become a little emotional at times as she read the script that many military families almost know by heart.
“As approached the courthouse this morning, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor,” Crawford shared. “It is set for one.”
She explained that the table is a special way of symbolizing the fact that members of the Armed Forces are missing from our midst, commonly called POWs or MIAs.
“They were unable to be with us this morning and so we remember them,” she said. “When I note each item at the table, I ask that the audience respond with ‘We will remember them.’”
Crawford continued with the emotional description of the table and its contents:
- This table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember them!
- The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. Remember them!
- The single red rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our missing who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember them!
- The red ribbon tied so prominently on the rose is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember them!
- The candle is lit, symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember them!
- A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember them!
- There is salt upon the bread plate, symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember them!
- The glass is inverted as they cannot toast with us this morning. Remember them!
- The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember them!
- 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. Remember them!
After each, the audience somewhat quietly yet it seemed with conviction, said in unison, “We will remember them!”
Crawford concluded, “Remember—Until the day they come home, Remember!”
