“The POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony” As   you   entered   the   banquet hall   this   evening,   you   may have    noticed    a    small    table in   a   place   of   honor.   It   is   set for    one.    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 POWs     or     MIAs,     we     call them    "Brothers."    They    are unable    to    be    with    us    this evening         and         so         we remember them.

This Table set for one is small -- Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors……..Remember!.............. The Tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms……..Remember!………. The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return………… Remember!………. The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase 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!……… The Candle, the candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit………..Remember!……….  A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate……….Remember!………. 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!………. The Chair -- The chair is empty. They are not here …….Remember!……….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…………. Remember!……….  Remember!……….Until the day they come home,………Remember!……….