The Fallen Soldiers Table
There is a special, memorable ceremony held for those that cannot attend dinner functions. This ceremony is presented to acknowledge the inability of the missing, prisoners of war, or deceased to be at the function in celebration. It is held in honor of their sacrifices for our country. It is a very moving ceremony.
The table is reserved to honor the missing loved ones. It symbolizes that they are attending in spirit. They should never be forgotten.
The table is set as follows*:
The table is round -- to show everlasting concern for those missing and fallen comrades.
The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty and the purity of America.
A single red rose -- in a vase, reminds us of the blood given, the life of each of the missing, and the loved ones and friends who miss them daily.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon -- symbol of continued determination to remember our fallen, account for our missing, and display the Patriotism that is America.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate -- is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
A pinch of salt -- symbolizes the tears endured by the families of those who have fallen or who have not returned.
The Bible -- represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost and to find peace.
The candle -- is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives on in one's heart, the light of America will always be the light in a world of darkness.
The glass is inverted -- to symbolize their inability to share this evening's toast.
The chair is empty -- they are missing, they are not with us.
During the ceremony all are asked to stand and raise their glass, do not drink, as all toast friends, family, and countrymen who cannot be there.
The closing of the ceremony consists of the playing of Taps.
Why hold this ceremony? To make one Remember.
Remember they gave their freedom or their lives to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America.
It is for the Comrades, the Brothers, and for all those who have served and unable to be at the function.
Remember them all.
*items can be added or removed as seen fit for that particular ceremony
The ceremony wording can be changed to meet the appropriate modifications that are needed.
A yellow ribbon may be used if the ceremony is for those missing rather than fallen.
video: the following video is one of narration and pictures of the fallen soldiers ceremony that was done at the SKIP dinner on May 2nd this year. It is a very powerful ceremony concluded with Taps, prerecorded, played by the organization's executive director.
A second video is offered that is also very moving, it shows the military members partaking in the ceremony, but no narration on what is taking place.
