Memorial Table at POC Muster
At the Port O’Connor Muster there was great food, fantastic fundraising and lots of laughs. Still, the sacrifice made by those who serve is a solemn thing. Many pay the ultimate price while serving, giving lives to protect the country they love. Col. Mike Petrash, Retired, serves as the Warriors Weekend Field of Honor Coordinator and brings a palpable gravity and a meaningful reminder of that sacrifice to the evening’s festivities. Col. Petrash conducted the POW/MIA Ceremony for the POC Muster. All veterans were asked to stand at attention as Col. Petrash explained the memorial table set at the dinner to honor all those who are missing or killed in action. The colonel did a great job of detailing the setting of the memorial table and the purposes for items included. The table meaning is explained in this paraphrased excerpt from the Army Family Support Website:
“A small round table set for one has a single chair leaning against it empty in memory of the one who will never join the family meal table again and symbolizes the frailty of one prisoner alone against suppressors. . The table is set with a white table cloth symbolizing the purity of their intentions to serve their country. The single red rose signifies the blood shed to ensure our freedom; the yellow ribbon on the vase represents the families who wait and the ribbons worn on lapels of thousands who demand accounting of the missing. The slice of lemon reminds of their bitter fate, salt sprinkled on the plate signifies their countless tears, the glass inverted for those who cannot toast with loved ones this night. The candle is a reminder of the light of hope in hearts to lead them home, away from captors back to a grateful nation. The Bible reminds us to pray to the Supreme Commander that all those lost and missing will soon be back within our ranks. The chair is empty, they are not here. They have made the ultimate sacrifice. May we never forget.”
With beautiful authenticity Col. Petrash led the crowd through the tradition of the POW/MIA Ceremony. As veterans stood at solemn attention, the roll call, the reading of the names and ranks of those from our specific area who have given their lives in service, were read aloud with honor and reverence. The somber gaze and focused attention of those veterans standing in respect of the fallen and lost was heartfelt and very impressive. Civilian attendees were silent and respectful, and found themselves profoundly moved by the Ceremony and the lives represented. It was a powerful symbol of the sacrifice and loss that brings passion and purpose to those who work hard to make Warriors Weekend happen.
