Missing Man Table

The Missing Man Table ( in German about the table for the missing or missing husband / mate ) is a kind of place of honor in tribute to fallen, missing ( Missing In Action ( MIA) ) or fallen into captivity ( Prisoner of War ( POW) ) soldiers in each dining room of the U.S. armed forces. The table is usually in the region of the entrance to the dining room or easily visible on a wall. For large events the Missing Man Table is covered for six people. This is a place setting ever for members of the Army, the Navy, the United States Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. The sixth place setting at the table is reminiscent of the civilians who died in the service of the armed forces or have gone missing.

Design and symbolism

The non- occupied space is that of missing or fallen soldier can now no longer be with his comrades. The table is white; this is to symbolize the purity of intentions, which is why the comrade once stood for the army of his country. A red rose symbolizes the love of the soldier's family, a red ribbon around the vase the many widows by the death of countless comrades. A slice of lemon on the plate stands for the bitter taste of loss, a pinch of salt for the tears of the families. An inverted glass means that the Fallen can not drink with his comrades.