National POW/MIA Recognition Day is held on the 3rd Friday of September to honor all those veterans who were Missing in Action (MIA) and who were Prisoners of War (POW). It was proclaimed this special day by the United State Congress in 1998.
The POW/MIA flag was created by the National League of Families in 1972 and was officially recognized by Congress in 1990. The POW/MIA flag should be no larger than the United States flag and is typically flown immediately below or beside the national flag as second in the order of precedence.
A big part of honoring POW/MIA’s is America’s White Table. The presentation speaks for itself:
It was just a little white table… to show one soldier’s lonely battle against many. We cover it with a white cloth to honor a soldier’s pure heart when he answers his country’s call to duty.
We place a lemon slice and grains of salt on a plate to show a captive soldier’s bitter fate and the tears of families waiting for loved ones to return.
We push an empty chair to the table for the missing soldiers who are not here.
We lay a black napkin for the sorrow of captivity and turn over a glass for the meal that won’t be eaten.
We place a white candle for peace and, finally, a red rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon in the hope that all our missing will return someday.
It was just a little white table…..
Adapted from the Margaret Theis Raven’s book… America’s White Table.
Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033’s commander, Shawn Wright, does this presentation throughout the community as asked. The presentation is a heartfelt tribute to all the Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA). Have your group or organization contact Commander Wright at 843-902-2509 for this very moving tribute to all POW/MIAs.
Please take time to say a prayer for all those families still hoping that one day!
