Ceremony Procedures
Script for POW/ MIA Ceremony
Commander says:
Before we begin our festivities this evening, we will recognize our POW’s and MIA’s.
We call your attention to this small table, which occupies a place of honor near the head table.
It is set for one symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks.
They are referred to as POW’s and MIA’s, our Comrades in arms. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families tonight, so we join with them in this humble tribute.
This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against an army of his suppressors.
The single rose in the vase reminds us of the family and friends of our missing brothers who keep the faith while awaiting their return.
The red ribbon on the vase represents the red ribbons warn on the lapels of the thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our brothers who are not among us tonight.
A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.
The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.
The glass is inverted – they cannot toast with us this night.
The chair is empty – they are not here.
The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation. Let us pray to the Supreme Commandant that all of our Comrades will soon be back within our ranks.
Let us remember.