The Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table, is a place of honor, set up in memory of the fallen, POW and MIA members of the military. This year, To honor our military forces for Memorial day, faculty member Charlotte Lucier, English and American Literature instructor, and James Evans, Librarian, set up the table in the Clearwater Library. While there are some variations of home the table is set, the symbolism of this table and the items on it are as follows:
- Table: set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one isolated prisoner.
- Tablecloth: is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.
- Single red rose: signifies the blood that many have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom. The rose also reminds us of family and friends who keep the faith, while waiting their return.
- The vase: is tied with a red ribbon as a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.
- Slice of lemon on the bread plate: represents the bitter fate of the missing.
- Salt sprinkled on the bread plate: symbolic of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.
- Inverted glass: represents the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake.
- Candle: reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home.
- Empty chair: the missing and fallen aren’t present.
- The Bible: represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country.
My instructors believed in me. They were more than instructors, they tried to get to know you as a person and tried to understand your goals so they could push you towards them. Student services helped me find a job before I even graduated. Everyone was dedicated to my overall success.
