Out of sight, out of mind? Not a chance. A small group of veterans from Fayette and Coweta counties and their families made the time Sept. 19 to gather at the Veterans Memorial in front of Peachtree City Hall for National POW/MIA Recognition Day to make sure their brothers-in-arms are not forgotten.
From World War II until today, there are 83,189 service members who are listed as prisoners of war or missing in action. For them, and for their families and fellow service members, there is no homecoming and no resolution to their fate. Yet some in communities across American are determined not to forget them.
The small assemblage of men and women who gathered at the memorial on that bright Sept. 19 morning embodied the mission designed to pay tribute to those whose names are known and whose circumstances could so easily fade into history. And the names of those present at Veterans Memorial were not nearly as significant as the names of those still unaccounted for.
Along with the brief ceremony, there was a table and chair placed near the memorial. For those unaware of its significance, the empty table might bear little notice. But for those who understand, that table and its contents and the chair beside it means everything.
The small table is round to show everlasting concern for America’s missing men.
The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of the motive when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose in a vase is a reminder of the life of each one missing, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, awaiting answers.
The vase tied with a red ribbon is a symbol of the continued determination to account for those missing.
The slice of lemon on the bread plate is a reminder of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in foreign lands.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from this country, founded as one nation under God.
The glass is inverted to symbolize their inability to share a daily toast.
The chair is empty – they are missing.
The symbolism was unmistakable. The only thing left to say is that the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for deserve to be known – they displayed the love for their country by serving and they deserve to have their nation, their elected citizens, display a similar love for them.
