A Small, White Table:

       Know by various names, including the POW/MIA Table, the remembrance Table, and the Missing Man Table, the small, white table is a temporary monument used by various groups— civilian and military – to honor America’s prisoners of war and those still missing in action. Although the arrangement of the table varies from presentation to presentation, the table’s small size, white covering, sparse settings, and empty chairs serve to symbolically remind viewers of the struggles and sacrifices of America’s missing heroes.

 

The Symbols:

The small table set for one - the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors
The white table cloth - the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.
The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in arms who keep faith awaiting their return.
The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting for our missing.
The slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.
There is salt upon the bread plate... symbolic of the family's tears as they wait.
The glass is inverted... they cannot toast with us tonight.
The chair is empty... they are not here.