As most people my age, being born in the early seventies, I don't know much about the wars or even the POW/MIA. Fact is, what do we really know or can we even understand what they are going through or have gone through.

I have never known, like so many of my peers, what it is like to know a prisoner of war or someone who is missing in action. There are no words to describe what families and friends of these heros feel. There is no way to ease their minds or hearts. We can only wait.

As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, I participate in a POW/MIA ceremony a every Legion/Auxiliary activity. However, that only just begins to explain what those who are living that life feel or experience. It is with a heavy heart and remembrance that the following is dedicated:

The table is set for one and is small. It symbolizes that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks. They are referred to as POW's and MIA's, our comrades in arms. They are unable to be with their loved ones and famlies tonight, so we join them in humble tribute. It symbolizes the frality of one prisoner alon eagainst an army of his suppressors.

The Table Cloth is white. It symbolizes the purity of their intentions to respond to their COuntry's call to arms.

A Single Rose in the vase reminds us of the families and friends of our missing brothers who keep the faith while awaiting their return.

The red ribbon on the vase represents the red ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand with unyeilding determination a proper accounting of our brothers who are not among us tonight.

A Slice of Lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.

The Salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.

The Glass inverted - thye cannot toast with us this night.

The Chair is empty - they are not here.

The Candle is reminiscent of the light of hope whih lives in our hearts to illuminae their way home, away from their captors, to open arms of a grateful nation. Let us pray to the Supreme Commandment that all of our Comrades will soo be back within our ranks.

Let us remember.

This ceremony always saddens me. As I look upon the empty chair, I am reminded that some gave all. And it is with this thought that As Senior Advisor of Unit #286's Auxiliary Juniors, I adopted the following POW/MIA: