ABOUT THE "MISSING MAN TABLE"
The Missing Man Table setting or Ceremony is generally used in conjunction with the opening of a dinner function.
There is nothing “official” about the text or set up. Groups who set up the table or perform a ceremony modify it to their interpretation.
Some tables are set up as a single setting, others are set for 6, representing the 5 branches of the service plus the civilians.
We did some research to find out how the table originated, but the facts are a bit sketchy.
We learned that the “River Rats” began the tradition before the Vietnam War was over. A table was set up at their practice reunions when the men were still overseas.
When the war ended the POW/MIA table tradition of remembering missing and fallen comrades traveled back state side with the returning Veterans.
In our efforts to educate others about our Prisoners Of War and those Missing In Action we have set this table up in many places.
We hope this gives you some information about the Missing Man Table.
Can you remember the first time you saw the table set up and learned what each item represented?
Believe me, you are not alone if you got all choked up and tears streamed down your face.
“THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN”
The Missing Man Table setting or Ceremony is generally used in conjunction with the opening of a dinner function.
There is nothing “official” about the text or set up. Groups who set up the table or perform a ceremony modify it to their interpretation.
Some tables are set up as a single setting, others are set for 6, representing the 5 branches of the service plus the civilians.
We did some research to find out how the table originated, but the facts are a bit sketchy.
We learned that the “River Rats” began the tradition before the Vietnam War was over. A table was set up at their practice reunions when the men were still overseas.
When the war ended the POW/MIA table tradition of remembering missing and fallen comrades traveled back state side with the returning Veterans.
In our efforts to educate others about our Prisoners Of War and those Missing In Action we have set this table up in many places.
We hope this gives you some information about the Missing Man Table.
Can you remember the first time you saw the table set up and learned what each item represented?
Believe me, you are not alone if you got all choked up and tears streamed down your face.
“THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN”
The MISSING MAN TABLE
POW/MIA's
Prisoner Of War/Missing In Action
*The reason for this ceremony is to acknowledge the
inability of our missing to be with us in the celebrations we hold,
because they have been left behind,
and to honor their sacrifice
for this country.
The TABLE
is round to show our everlasting concern for our
missing men and women.
The TABLE
is small and set for one symbolizing the frailty of one
prisoner alone against his oppressors.
The TABLECLOTH
is white symbolizing the purity of their motives when
answering the call to duty.
A single RED ROSE
reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the
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 day's toast.
The CANDLE
is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts
to illuminate their way home away from their captors to
open arms of a grateful Nation.
The empty CHAIR
and place setting represents an American still missing
as they served our country in the
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
or as a Civilian.
POW/MIA's
Prisoner Of War/Missing In Action
*The reason for this ceremony is to acknowledge the
inability of our missing to be with us in the celebrations we hold,
because they have been left behind,
and to honor their sacrifice
for this country.
The TABLE
is round to show our everlasting concern for our
missing men and women.
The TABLE
is small and set for one symbolizing the frailty of one
prisoner alone against his oppressors.
The TABLECLOTH
is white symbolizing the purity of their motives when
answering the call to duty.
A single RED ROSE
reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the
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 day's toast.
The CANDLE
is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts
to illuminate their way home away from their captors to
open arms of a grateful Nation.
The empty CHAIR
and place setting represents an American still missing
as they served our country in the
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
or as a Civilian.
