The Table of Remembrance*

"This small table is a table of remembrance. It is set for five.
It represents the five services in time of war:
the Army, the Marines, the Naval Forces, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

This table sympolizes that members of our professional arms
are missing from our midst.
They call them POW-MIAs;
We call the brothers, fathers, uncles and friends;
They are unable to be with us, so we remember them each day.

This table set for five is a small table
Symbolizing the fragility of prisoners,
Alone against the oppressors...remember.

This table is white to symbolize the purity of their intentions
To respond to their country's call to arms...remember.

This single rose displayed symbolizes the families and loved ones,
Who keep the faith, awaiting their return.

The red ribbon, worn upon the lapel and breast of thousands
Who bear witness to their determination,
To demand a proper accounting of our missing...remember.

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate
To remind us of their bitter faith...remember.

There is salt upon the bread plate to symbolize the family's tears
As they wait...and wait...and wait...remember.

The glasses are inverted.
They cannot toast with us this season...remember

Remember all of you who served with them,
Who called them comrades,
Who depended upon thier might and aid,
And relied upon them.

For surely, they have not forgotten you...
Remember."

*from the program. No author's name given.