Speaker describes 'Table of the Missing' ceremony elements at POW/MIA event

Crystal Beeler, invited to explain the 'Table of the Missing,' described each symbolic element placed on an empty table to honor prisoners of war and missing service members.

Beeler explained that the lone chair and single place setting represent those honorable members of the armed services who crossed over before us, and that the white tablecloth, black napkin, salt, lemon, inverted glass and rose each carry specific symbolic meanings—purity of response, emptiness at the table, tears of waiting family members, bitter fate, inability to toast, and a token of love and honor, respectively. She concluded by saying a candle would burn in symbolic remembrance.

The ceremony combined the table explanation with a prayer and the posting and retiring of colors, a sequence organizers said was intended to keep missing service members and their families in the public eye.