Many people in the United States have no idea a special day approaches, one that honors many soldiers. One that honors more than 78,000 soldiers. This Friday, September 21st, 2007 is National MIA/POW Memorial Day. A day to honor and remember those that never came home, a day to honor those whose families still ask for answers and closure.
There are men still missing in Iraq that have not been found. Four to be exact. Two of those are Pvt. Byron W. Fouty and Spc. Alex R. Jimenez. Captured on May 12th, 2007 when their observation post was overrun. The terrorist have claimed to have killed both and buried their bodies where they will not be found and returned to their families. No matter where you stand on the war in Iraq, you should stand for minute of silence on the 21st, this Friday, to recognize the sacrifice of these soldiers.
If you want to attend a sobering ceremony, go to one of your local veterans’ groups ceremonies this Friday and listen to this…
‘Ladies and gentleman, Veterans and family members of those still missing, as you entered the dining area, you may have noticed a table at the front, raised to call your attention to its purpose -- it is reserved to honor our missing loved ones.
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. This Honors Ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit.
Some in this room were very young when they were sent into combat; however, all Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call and served the cause of freedom in a special way.
I would like to ask you to stand, and remain standing for a moment of silent prayer, as the Honor Guard places the five service covers and a civilian cap on each empty plate.’
Then the speaker would continue with this,
‘Please be seated ....... I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table.
The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.
The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
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 our country, founded as one nation under God.
The glass is inverted -- to symbolize their inability to share this evening's toast.
The chairs are empty -- they are missing.
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.’
After that you should have a deeper sense of respect for those that are serving and those that are missing and still have not been brought home to rest.
God bless our troops and those still missing.. may you be brought home to rest and be honored as you so richly deserve..
By Chris Wagoner,
Former 3rd Infantry Division Soldier
A video on the two recent missing soldiers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f58Y96CXiE