The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of our prisoners of war and missing comrades has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War.
As of April 8, 2025, the number of Americans missing and unaccounted from the Vietnam War is 1,573.
Single Table: Represents the isolation and individual fate of a POW or MIA.
Empty Chair: Symbolizes the absence of the service member, a seat reserved for their return.
White Tablecloth: Represents the purity of intentions of those who answered the call to arms.
Single Candle: Symbolizes hope and faith in their return.
Inverted Glass: Represents the inability of the POW/MIA to join in a toast.
Lemon Slice and Salt: Reminds us of the bitter fate of those held captive or missing, and the tears of their families.
Single Red Rose (or Other Flower): Represents the blood shed for the country’s freedom and symbolizes remembrance for those who never returned.
American Flag: Reminds us of the service members’ commitment to the nation.