The table is small
The table cloth is white
The single rose in the vase
The red ribbon on the vase
A slice of lemon on the plate
The salt sprinkled on the plate
The glass is inverted
The flickering candle
The American flag
The chair is empty
symbolizing the fraility of one prisoner, alone against his or her oppressors.
symbolic of the purity of their intentions to
respond to their country's call to arms.
signifies the blood many have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom
of our beloved United States of America. The rose also reminds us of the family and friends
of our missing comrades who keep faith, while awaiting their return.
represents the red ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand,
with unyielding determination, a proper accounting of our comrades
who are not among us.
to remind us of their bitter fate.
reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.
They cannot toast with us at this time.
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.
reminds us that many of them may never return.
They have paid the supreme sacrifice to insure our freedom.
They are not here.
