| Tribute to POW/MIA and Our Military |
| Don Mathews |
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| Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony The POW-MIA Ceremony is generally used in conjunction with the opening of a dinner function. It originated with several of the ROTC and JROTC units in Florida and there are many different versions. Groups who use the ceremony modify it to suit their local requirements. For example, JROTC units often do not have access to hats and do not use them. Sometimes there are not enough people to do all five services so one may be used to represent all services or four are honored, instead. Civilians are also included in some version of this ceremony. |
This table is set for our prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars that are too often forgotten. They are not with us today. Their chairs are empty, but saved for their hoped return. Let us remember their absence. If set for six, the empty places represent Americans still missing from each of the five services -- Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard –– and civilians. Dress hats may be present for each branch of service, and one civilian (plain) ball cap. The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing men -- Remember. The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty so that we all may remain free - Remember. The lone candle -- symbolizing the frailty of a prisoner alone, trying to stand up against her oppressors -- Remember The black ribbon on the candle -- reminds us of those who will not be coming home -- Remember. The single red rose, displayed in a vase -- reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers -- Remember. The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing -- Remember. The red ribbon may be tied to the vase with a yellow ribbon -- worn by thousands awaiting their return -- -- Remember A slice of lemon on the bread plate -- to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land if we do not bring them home -- Remember. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers -- Remember. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God. The faded picture on the table -- reminds us that they are missed very much and are remembered by their families -- Remember The glass is inverted -- to symbolize their inability to share this toast with us now -- maybe tomorrow if we Remember. The chairs are empty -- they are missing -- Remember. Let us now raise our water glasses in a toast to honor America's POW/MIAs and to the success of our efforts to account for them. As we look upon this empty table, do not remember ghosts from the past, remember our comrades. Remember those whom we depended on in battle. They depend on us to bring them home. Remember our friends, they are the ones we love -- who love life and freedom as we do. They will remember what we do. Please honor and remember them. |
| Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony |
REMEMBER ME - I first
became aware of the
Missing Man Table and
Honors Ceremony at the
VFW in Comstock, MI. I
was so impressed by the
dignity of the ceremony
sacrifice made by those
left behind, that I went
home and wrote this
song. Remember me and
bring me home is the
plea of all those left
behind.
became aware of the
Missing Man Table and
Honors Ceremony at the
VFW in Comstock, MI. I
was so impressed by the
dignity of the ceremony
sacrifice made by those
left behind, that I went
home and wrote this
song. Remember me and
bring me home is the
plea of all those left
behind.
| REMEMBER ME I’m a lonely soldier I don’t know where I am They just keep on moving me around this prison that I’m in Every day is cloudy just like the day before I know the war must be over, I’ve been here far too long Does anybody there still miss me? Does anyone still care? I hope someone still loves me Enough to come and take me out of here I’ve seen my life pass before me but I’m still hanging on I must keep on believing God will help you bring me home I dream of being home as a child. It helps dull the pain I’m going through I pray someday my brother soldiers will come and free me from this place Until that day comes I’ll keep on praying every day of each passing year Freedom is coming, Oh I feel my soldiers are near And I pray I’ll be coming home to you |
| Links to some of the many POW/MIA Sites |
| All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws. Lyrics copyright Don Mathews 2005/2006/2007/2008/2009/2010/2011 |
| Missing Man Table VFW Post 6252 Comstock, MI |
| Missing Man Table Ceremony 2007 POW/MIA Balloon Launch |
Vietnam Veteran POW/MIA Tribute top
fuel dragster sponsored by Evan Knoll -
broke speed records at US 131
MotorSports Park in Martin, MI
We were there!!!
fuel dragster sponsored by Evan Knoll -
broke speed records at US 131
MotorSports Park in Martin, MI
We were there!!!
| Link to Memorial Web page for Maj. Robert G. Lapham KIA in Viet Nam 02/08/1968 |
| SOMETIMES THE HEROS DON’T COME HOME He sleeps on the ground in the sand Next to a tank he lays his head A soldier will do whatever it takes To save his fellow man He knows how much his wife and children miss him As he holds the picture close to him And he’ll pray to God he’ll see them again But now there’s a flag over him But now there’s a flag over him CHORUS: And sometimes the hero’s don’t come home And they’ll make that sacrifice on their own To serve their God and country And another family will weep And another family will weep As a police officer puts on his vest He checks his weapon and puts on his badge To serve and protect all of us He knows any days could be his last He loves his wife and children so He puts their picture on the dashboard while on patrol He’s second car on another domestic call As shots ring out, the officer he falls As shots ring out, the officer he falls CHORUS Supper’s done down at the fire hall The trucks are all ready to roll As the firemen begin to eat their meal The radio rings out for another call It’s reported there are children upstairs As the firemen all put on their gear They’ll save all the children with care Then realize there’s a firemen not here Then realize there’s a firemen not here CHORUS Words and Music by Don Mathews Copyright 2011 |
Listen to 'Sometimes the Heroes Don't Come Home'