POWs and MIAs

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Resolution 288, adopted at the 67th National Convention, calls for designating a POW/MIA Chair at all official meetings of The American Legion as a symbol of the thousands of POW/MIA’s still unaccounted for from WWII, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Let it be a reminder for us to spare no effort to secure the release of any prisoners from captivity and a full accounting of those missing. Let us rededicate ourselves for this vital endeavor.

At many functions held by The American Legion, you will find a table set for one. This table is in honor of the POW/MIA’s still missing and unaccounted for. Below is the accompanying speech that describes the items on the table and an explanation of the meaning of each item.

Those who have served, and those currently serving in the uniformed services of the United States, are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation and imprisonment.

Before we begin our activities, we pause to recognize our POWs and MIAs.

  • We call your attention to this small table which occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks. They are referred to as POWs and MIAs.
  • We call them comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join together to pay humble tribute to them, and to bear witness to their continued absence.
  • The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.
  • The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their Country’s call to arms.
  • The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep faith, while awaiting their return.
  • The red ribbon on the vase represents the red ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand, with unyielding determination, a proper account of our comrades who are not among us.
  • A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.
  • The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.
  • The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time.
  • The chair is empty. They are NOT here.
  • 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 American Flag reminds us that many of them may never return – and have paid the supreme sacrifice to insure our freedom.
  • Let us pray to the Supreme Commander of all that our comrades will soon be back within our ranks.
  • Let us remember – and never forget their sacrifice.
  • May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.