Missing Man Table
I am sure if any of you have ever been to an Air Show where there was a fighter fly-over … you have seen the Missing Man Formation. Four jets fly in close formation and one suddenly flies straight up and the three remaining continue to fly strong, but clearly missing someone.
A tradition lesser-known is the Missing Man Table Ceremony. My cousin, Sara (Sawa), sent me this article from the Washington Times: Empty table honors all U.S. MIAs, POWs.
The table is set with a white tablecloth, a black napkin and white candle, and a plate with only a slice of lemon and salt. An empty chair leans against the table.
The tradition, little known to the general public, of setting an empty table with a white tablecloth in remembrance of prisoners of war and those missing in action had its beginnings with a group of fighter pilots who flew in Vietnam.
I found the significance of each detail at a website for Korea-Cold War Families of the Missing.
The Missing Man Table Ceremony
Set for six, the empty places represent Americans still [our men] missing from each of the five services — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard – and civilians. This Honors Ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit.
The table is round — to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.
The tablecloth is white — symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the[ir] loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.
The glass is inverted — to symbolize their inability to share this evening’s [morning’s/day’s] toast.
The chairs are empty — they are missing.
There is also a special table ceremony for POW’s and MIA’s. The following is the slight variation observed for all those who are considered prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.
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!
The Washington Times article also refers to a new book, “America’s White Table,” written by Margot Theis Raven who “would like to see the tradition of the white table spread to homes and restaurants across the nation.” The book describes how a young girl helps her mother prepare the table for a special dinner while her mother explains the significance of each object. I have not seen this book but I am going to buy it when I see it next. If it is as good as I think it will be, every house in America should have one.
The table is “the most important image we can ever have, and it’s not political,” she [Raven] said. “Even the flag can get politicized. This has no party and no agenda except that a person said ‘yes’ to duty, and that is always to be honored.”
I am getting all choked up just writing this. To make it even more real … I have this page which has the lyrics and music to “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus playing in the background.
I remember I was in 6th grade when Desert Storm started. One of the boys in my class had been visiting his grandmother for the summer. Nothing unusual about that … except that he was from Kuwait … and he was in my class because he could not go home after Iraq invaded his country. He and I were in the same high school and we graduated together in 1997 … as far as I know he never was able to go back home. He was (and I am sure still is) a really nice guy. We talked our senior year about that 6th grade class and everything that occurred since.
I listened to KSCS 96.3, the local country station then (and still do sometimes) and the song Some Gave All always gave me chills … even in 6th grade and all the way to now. I am sure it always will.
Love your country and live with pride
And don’t forget those who died
America can’t you seeAll gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
May 30th, 2005 at 12:39 pm e
You did a great job on your Memorial Day tribute. In this house, every day is Memorial Day. Love You.