Connecticut XVII

I wrote sometime back about happening on to a Veterans Day event in Norwich, Connecticut: you can check out that post elsewhere on the site.

Today, I thought we might return to see just a few more details from that visit.

The dual flags greeted me upon arrival. You may not know that the POW/MIA flag is considered a federal flag and is the only other flag allowed to fly over the White House and the Capitol building. When flying on a separate pole it hangs at equal height to the American flag and always above any state flag though it seems many do not know this as it is often flown below a state flag.

As I have mentioned previously that while the POW/MIA flag as come to represent all those lost and missing from al wars, it was in fact created by the wife of a POW in 'Nam.

Near by the reviewing stand was the POW/MIA table to honor those fellow soldiers.

"POW-MIA Table Setting

    The Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table, is a semi-official place of honor in some dining facilities of the US armed forces in memory of fallen, missing in action, or prisoner of war military service-members.  The table serves as the focal point of ceremonial remembrance, originally growing out of US concern of the Vietnam War POW/MIAs.

   Beyond permanent displays in dining facilities, the missing man table is traditionally part of military dining-in ceremonies and service balls.  When presented in a dining-in or service ball, a narration given to the audience explains the symbolism of each item.  The practice of the missing man table has evolved over time and is not currently governed by any US Department of Defense or service-specific guidance.

THE CHAIR IS EMPTY -- THEY ARE NOT HERE

    The small table is set for one, representing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.  The table is usually set close to, or within sight of, the entrance to the dining room.

• The table is round showing our everlasting concern for our POW/MIA's.

• The cloth is white symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.

• The single red rose signifying the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of American. This rose, reminding us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.

• The yellow ribbon stands for the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our comrades who are not among us tonight.

• A slice of lemon reminding us of the bitter fate of those missing, captured and held as prisoners in foreign lands.

• A pinch of salt denoting the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.

• The Holy Bible represents the strength gained through faith in our country, founded as one nation under God, to sustain those lost from our midst.

• The lighted candle reflects the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation.

• The glass is inverted symbolizing their inability to share the evening's toast.

Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices.  May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families."

 

The above was copied verbatim from The American Legion, my thanks to them.

Note that ion the pic of the Field Cross under the table that the helmet seems to be from the Vietnam era.

And finally, here is a pic of just a few of the troops on hand for this event.

 Next time, on the 11th, we will return to Maryland, so join me there at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from Connecticut, or any other state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.