Tuesday, November 10, 2009

A moment for Veterans and for the fallen

Old School here,

I just wanted to take a break from the usual 40k talk to give thanks to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms across the world and to all those who have served or who have given their lives in battle. I sincerely appreciate the daily efforts and the sacrifice made by the U.S. military and our allies as well as their family members. Not only is tomarrow Veterans' Day, but 234 years ago today, the United States Marine Corps was born. Semper Fidelis and have a great Veterans' Day!


I would also like to take a moment for our Missing in Action and Prisoners of War. In almost any gathering of military personnel, you will find a table dedicated to those missing. The narrator will call for a moment of silence and recite the following in their memory:
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You may notice this small table here in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly call P.O.W.'s or M.I.A.'s, we call them brothers.
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They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.
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This table set for one is small... it symbolizes the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors.
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The table cloth is white... it symbolizes the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.
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The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in arms who keep faith awaiting their return.
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The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting for our missing.
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A slice of lemon is on the bread plate... to remind us of their bitter fate.
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There is salt upon the bread plate... symbolic of the family's tears as they wait.
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The glass is inverted... they cannot toast with us tonight.
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The chair is empty... they are not here.
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Remember... all of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended on their might and aid, and relied on them... for surely... they have not forsaken you.

3 comments:

  1. God Bless you Chesty wherever you are!

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  2. 15 years in the Army and this is first I have heard of the MIA/POW table. Good work.

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  3. It is unfortunate that you never heard of it. It is a major part of every Marine celebration or gathering that we remember them.

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