Photo By Sgt. Emily Greene | The Missing Man Table at Seaside Galley, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, stands in...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Service members nationwide understand the importance of remembering those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are no longer in their midst. The Missing Man Table is one way troopers keep the memory of their missing comrades alive.
In galleys around U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay there are small tables that serve to remind service members of their comrades in arms who are prisoners of war or missing in action. Set for one, the tables symbolize members of the military profession who are unable to join us in the breaking of our daily bread.
The script in the frame placed on each table reads, "This table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing 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 kept the faith awaiting their return. The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. There is salt upon the bread plate symbolic of families' tears as they wait. The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us this night. The chair, the chair is empty, they are not here."
Romeo Izon, facilities manager at Seaside Galley in Joint Task Force Guantanamo, said it is a Navy tradition to have POW/MIA tables at galleys worldwide.
"Although there are people who cannot join us for meals, this is one small way we can remember them," Izon said. "They are still with us in spirit."
Navy Chief Petty Officer John Poole, a master-at-arms with the Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion, is familiar with the tables. He said he has seen them throughout his career.
"They are a good way to remember our fallen, wounded and missing service members," said Poole. "It is important that we never forget them."
Army Pfc. Emmanuel Santiago, a military policeman with the 480th Military Police Company, said whenever he sees the table at the Seaside Galley it reminds him to pause for a moment and remember.
"Thinking about the sacrifices other people have made makes me so proud," Santiago said. "I am proud of past heroes; proud to wear the same uniform."
Army Staff Sgt. Jose Serrano, also a military policeman with the 480th MP Company, said when he passes the empty chair and the glass turned down he is reminded of how blessed he is.
"There are people who are still missing and who would love to be here where I am today," Serrano said. "I am able to go home and see my family and they are not."
"Missing man" tables are an important part of military tradition and are a small, but significant way for service members to remember their brothers in arms. They are a way to ensure that the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country are never forgotten.
| Date Taken: | 05.29.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.08.2009 09:15 |
| Story ID: | 34701 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 242 |
| Downloads: | 204 |
This work, Remembering the missing, by SGT Emily Greene, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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