Observations from my weekly wanderings, usually in Northern Virginia (NOVA).
Back in May, for
Memorial Day, I posted NOVA This Week about the difference between Memorial Day
and Veterans Day – because, we often think about them as very similar, yet
there are distinct.
(Once again a
disclaimer: This applies to the U.S. holidays. It is a bit different in the Commonwealth of Nations. If you are interested in THAT difference, please click here.)
In the U.S. Memorial Day is a National Holiday to honor those who have DIED while serving in the Armed Forces. Veterans Day is a National Holiday to honor those who SERVED in the Armed Forces. It of course includes all those we honor on Memorial Day, but it also includes those who served without making the supreme sacrifice.
Occasionally, people thank me for my service on Memorial Day, and
although – that’s nice – it isn’t truly appropriate, because I’m still alive.
But Veterans Day – Yeah that’s me. I took full advantage. free
breakfast at Denny’s, free lunch at Applebee’s, and free dinner at Olive Garden.
Thank you to these corporations for the gesture, which is MUCH more meaningful
to me than the free meal.
Olive Garden went a little above and beyond though, and I know there
are others that do this same thing. Near the entrance of Olive Garden there was
an empty table, set for one. This table is a military tradition. It is always displayed at certain military
ceremonies: service birthdays, balls, Veterans and Memorial Day services, and
other dining ceremonies. It is also often a permanent display in many dining
halls. There are certain specific items always present at this setting.
Table Ceremony Script - Read during modern military remembrance events
paying honors to POW/MIA. Generally the table is being set while the script is
read.
The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this
table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebration today. And we remember
them. (ring bell) The table is small, and set for one -- Symbolizing the
vulnerability of a lone prisoner against his captors. Remember! (ring bell) The
tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing purity of intention in responding to the
nation's call to arms. Remember! (ring bell) The chair is empty, for they are
not here. Remember! (ring bell) The wine glass is inverted -- They cannot toast
with us this night. Remember! (ring bell) The slices of lemon -- Reminding us
of their bitter suffering. Remember! (ring bell) The grains of salt --
Representing the countless tears of the families. Remember! (ring bell) The
single red rose -- Reminding us of loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their
return. Remember! (ring bell) The burning candle and yellow ribbon --
Symbolizing everlasting hope of a reunion with the missing. Remember! (ring
bell) Remember! -- All who have served alongside them; we who have donned the
same proud uniform, being sworn to the same faith and allegiance -- We will
never forget their sacrifice. Remember! (ring bell) Remember! -- Until the day
they return home, or find eternal peace, we will remember. (ring bell)
The Bible is not always present, and not part of the official script. It is usually present though.
The Bible is not always present, and not part of the official script. It is usually present though.
There is a similar table sometimes displayed with SIX empty chairs, to
represent the fallen, but not POW/MIA, from all six services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines,
Coast Guard, and Civilian.
Finally, a quotation: Honor also to those who daring to die, survived
From the Devil’s Brigade Memorial.
The Devil’s Brigade, officially designated the 1st Special Service Force, was a Combined American-Canadian commando unit from WWII. All American and Canadian Special Operations Forces trace their heritage to this unit.
The Devil’s Brigade, officially designated the 1st Special Service Force, was a Combined American-Canadian commando unit from WWII. All American and Canadian Special Operations Forces trace their heritage to this unit.
(There's a pretty decent movie titled The Devil's Brigade. You should check it out.)
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