Entry 25.21

Today’s entry will be short and most of it not written by me. Today is a somber day for me as every Memorial Day is. As much as I love my country and grew up in a patriotic household, the meaning of Memorial Day did not become “real” until I had someone of my own to remember. With each year that I spent in the Army, sadly more names were added to that list. I have stood on the tarmac as my friends were carried onto an Angel Flight. I have never felt so angry, full of hate and vengeance. We grieved overseas the best we knew how. We brought that anger, hate and vengeance to the battlefield. I cannot find the words to describe what it means to stand in a service and having final roll call. Hearing the name of your fallen comrade being called with no answer. For us, that was when we finally grieved as most do. Then we would pack that grief into a compartment and begin training again. But there are times when that grief is allowed to come out. Today is one of those days. The other 364 days of the year, I remember. I still finish off every workout with “One for Airborne Ranger in the Sky”. I carry the names and memories of my brothers with me because they will never be forgotten.

Every Memorial Day, I pour one for my brothers. It is my “Missing Man Table”. Every day around the world, Missing Man Tables are set up in chow halls with the hope that one of those missing from Roll Call will enter and fill that seat. And every day, that place is cleared when no one shows. The military may be filled with tradition that may not make sense, but this is one that will endure through time. I want you to understand that tradition. From warmemorialcenter.org:

Each item on the Missing Man Table represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home. The ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. All Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve and fought for our freedom with honor.

The symbolism of the Missing Man Table:
The table is round, to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.

The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.

The single red rose; displayed in a vase, reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith while seeking answers.

The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for our missing.

A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate; captured and missing in a foreign land.

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long 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 and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

The glass is inverted, symbolizing their inability to share a toast.

The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table.