Missing man table

POW/MIA flag

The Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table,^[1] is a place of honor, set up in military dining facilities of the U.S. armed forces and during occasions such as service branch birthday balls, in memory of fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service-members.^[2] The table serves as the focal point of ceremonial remembrance, originally growing out of US concern of the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue.^[3][4]

Observance

Beyond permanent displays in dining facilities, the missing man table is traditionally part of military dining-in ceremonies and service balls.^[5][6][7] 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.

Symbolism

A missing man table featured during a 2009 ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base.

The listed items are considered traditional. Some commands and units may place headcovers or other items at the place setting as well.^[8]

• Table: set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one isolated prisoner. The table is usually set close to, or within sight of, the entrance to the dining room. For large events of the Missing Man Table is set for six places: members of the five armed services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) and a sixth place setting reminiscent of the civilians who died during service alongside the armed forces or missing during armed conflict .^[9] Table is round to represent everlasting concern on the part of the survivors for their missing loved ones.^[10]
• Tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.^[11]
• Single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood that many 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 the faith, while awaiting their return.^[12]
• Yellow ribbon on the vase represents 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.^[13]
• Slice of lemon on the bread plate: represents the bitter fate of the missing.^[14]
• Salt sprinkled on the bread plate: symbolic of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.^[15]
• Inverted glass: represents the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake.
• Lit candle: reminiscent of 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.
• Empty chair: the missing and fallen aren't present.^[16]

Ceremony Script

Table Ceremony Script - Read during modern military remembrance events paying honors to POW/MIA. Generally the table is being set while the script is read.

• The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebration tonight. And we remember them. (ring bell)
• The table is small, and set for one -- Symbolizing the vulnerability of a lone prisoner against his captors. Remember! (ring bell)
• The tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing purity of intention in responding to the nation's call to arms. Remember! (ring bell)
• The chair is empty, for they are not here. Remember! (ring bell)
• The wine glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember! (ring bell)
• The slices of lemon -- Reminding us of their bitter suffering. Remember! (ring bell)
• The grains of salt -- Representing the countless tears of the families. Remember! (ring bell)
• The single red rose -- Reminding us of loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember! (ring bell)
• The burning candle and yellow ribbon -- Symbolizing everlasting hope of a reunion with the missing. Remember! (ring bell)
• Remember! -- All who have served alongside them; we who have donned the same proud uniform, being sworn to the same faith and allegiance -- We will never forget their sacrifice. Remember! (ring bell)
• Remember! -- Until the day they return home, or find eternal peace, we will remember. (ring bell)

References