I won't be online tomorrow so I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you who have served, contiue to serve, and plan to serve. You have my heartfelt thanks.
For those who have never served, I ask only that you take a moment to thank those that have, we wouldn't be here without their sacrifices.
Perhaps as you entered the hall tonight, you noticed the small table, set for one, in a place of honor.Fallen ComradesLadies and Gentlemen, please direct your attention to the small table in the rear.
The military cast is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of acknowledging that members of our proud profession of arms are missing from our midst.
They are POWs and MIAs. We call them brothers. They are unable to be with us this evening, so we remember them because of their sacrifices.
The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.
The single rose in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our Comrades-in-Arms who keep faith, awaiting their return.
The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase, is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breast of thousands who bear witness to their underlying determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing.
A slice of lemon is on the bread plate, to remind us of their bitter fate.
The salt is symbolic of the tears, as they wait.
The glass is inverted; he cannot toast with us this night.
The chair is empty; he is not here.
Remember, all of you who served with them and called them comrade, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely they have not forgotten you.
