The Missing Man Table at the Military Ball – A Truly Moving Ceremony

I was privileged and honored to have been invited to attend the 56th annual Western New York Military Ball over the weekend.  Held each year at the Connecticut Street Armory in Buffalo it honors the local men and women of all branches of the military who have served their country.

The various branches of the military take turns each year hosting the event.  This year is was the Marines who hosted all the activities during Western New York Armed Forces Week culminating in the formal ball on Saturday night.

Along with dinner, dancing and a series of toasts, members of each branch of the military; Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard are honored with special awards.

What I was most impressed with was the special table set aside for MIA's.  It is a table with an empty chair.  The symbolism of that alone is simple to understand, but every item on the table is also symbolic of the men and women of the United States Military who are Missing In Action;

• The cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.
• 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 ribbon symbolizes our continued uncertainty, hope for their return and determination to account for them.
• A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate, captured or missing in a foreign land.
• A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families – who look for answers after decades of uncertainty.
• The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return – alive or dead.
• The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us.
• The glass is inverted – to symbolize that they're unable to share a toast.

The ceremony ends with a toast to honor America’s POW/MIAs, to the hope that efforts to account for them are successful and to the safety of all of those now serving our nation.

A truly impressive evening.  I was happy to have been a part of it.

The Air Force is the host for next year's Armed Forces Week festivities.