Small, lone table symbolizes great strength, sacrifice Published Oct. 2, 2008 OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- At almost every military event such as a birthday ball or dining out, a small table set for one remains unoccupied. You can also see an almost identical table constantly on display at the King Dining Facility here. These small, unoccupied tables represent perhaps the most heroic of all Americans - military members listed as prisoners of war or missing. As our nation commemorates POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept. 19, here's a look at the lone table and the significance of every aspect of it. · Military headgear sits on the table representing those missing from all branches of the military and symbolizes that although they are not present in person, they are there in spirit. · The table is round to show our nations everlasting concern for those missing from all branches of the military. · The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty. · The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds those who see it of the life of each of the missing and the loved ones and friends who keep the faith, awaiting answers. · A slice of lemon on a bread plate is a reminder of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. · A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears shed by those missing and their families who seek answers. · A Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our nation founded as "one nation under God." · An inverted glass symbolizes the inability of those listed as POW/MIA to share in the toast for the event. · The chair is empty and often leaned forward at the table as they are missing. (Information courtesy of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.)