POW/MIA Day Recognized By VFW Auxiliary

Friday, Sept. 16 was POW/ MIA Day, a day of recognition for all American soldiers who are prisoners of war or missing in action. The Weimar Memorial VFW Post 5875 Auxiliary continued the tradition of setting a table in honor of our missing men and women. This tradition has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War. The manner in which this table is decorated is full of symbols. The table is round to show our everlasting concern. The cloth is white to show the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve. The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers. The yellow candle and its ribbon symbolize our continuing uncertainty, the hope of their return and our determination to account for them. A slice of lemon reminds us of their fate, captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith, to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one Nation under God. The glass is inverted symbolizing their inability to share a toast. The chair is empty – they are missing.

On Tuesday, a Missing Man Table Ceremony was held at the regular monthly meeting of the VFW Auxiliary. Wednesday, the Auxiliary set up this table for students to see at Weimar High School and on Thursday it was set up at St. Michael’s Catholic School. Friday the VFW Post, the American Legion, and the VFW Auxiliary held a Missing Man Table Ceremony at Parkview Manor Nursing Home.