Quote by LarryFNigh

Quote by snoop
August 15 … Day five

As we were leaving the dining room, we noticed a small table beside the dining entrance that was formally set up and had a single chair tipped forward in a “reserved position”. Across the plate was an American Flag in the triangular folded manner designated for a deceased military person. Also on the table was a Bible, a single red rose in a bud vase with a red ribbon, and a card with the following explanation.

“The table is round – to show our everlasting concern.

“The cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to service.

“The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers.

“The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for them.

“A slice of lemon reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

“A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.

“The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return – alive or dead.

“The Bible represents the strength gained through faith in our country, founded as one nation under God, to sustain those lost from our midst.

“The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share a toast.


Rick this is beautiful and moving. Appreciate you taking the time to copy the card and describe it in such detail. Your writing and description is so good I feel like I am with you on this trip.

This was so moving and beautiful. I appreciate you taking the time to copy what it said. You do such a wonderful job of making me feel I was along with you.



“The chairs are empty – they are missing. “

(I’ve searched for a web based photo of this, but am unable to locate one.)