Setting the Missing Man Table: Remembering and Honoring our Service Men and Women on Memorial Day
At Carlton, we hold deep respect and gratitude for the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in our nation’s armed forces.
This Memorial Day, we are proud to honor and recognize our veterans and active military personnel by setting up a special “Missing Man Table” in our communities. This solemn tradition allows us to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom.
The Missing Man Table is a powerful symbol representing the fallen, the missing, and the prisoners of war.
It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our heroes and the families who await their return. By setting this table, we aim to create a visible and heartfelt tribute within our senior living communities.
Each item on the table holds a significant meaning.
The table is round to show our everlasting concern for our missing service members.
The white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.
The single red rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the lives these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep their faith while seeking answers.
The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate; captured and missing in a foreign land.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.
The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return, alive or deceased.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country.
The glass is inverted, symbolizing their inability to share a toast.
The chair is empty: the seat that remains unclaimed at the table.
As we gather together on Memorial Day, residents, staff, and visitors will have the opportunity to reflect upon the sacrifices made by our military members and express our gratitude for their selflessness. We invite everyone to pause and remember those who have given everything in service to our great nation.
Honoring and recognizing our veterans and active military personnel is paramount at Carlton.
We strive to create a sense of community that not only provides exceptional care but also embraces the values and sacrifices of our service members. We encourage everyone to join us in observing this tradition and take a moment to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by our military members and their families. Let us remember that Memorial Day is not just a day off, but a day of remembrance and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
We extend our deepest appreciation to our veterans and active military personnel. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
This Memorial Day, we are proud to honor and recognize our veterans and active military personnel by setting up a special “Missing Man Table” in our communities. This solemn tradition allows us to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom.
