.:Wednesday, November 10, 2010:.
Remembering Our Soldiers,
Past, present and future!   For those of you that haven't heard this presentation, here are the words that I have framed on the table: The Fallen Soldiers Table Those who have served and those currently serving the uniformed services of the United States are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. They are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain and internment. Before we begin our activities this evening, we will pause to recognize our POW’s and MIA’s. We call them comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families tonight. So, we join together to pay humble tribute to them and bear witness to their continued absence. This table, set for on, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her suppressors. The tablecloth is white, the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. The single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return. The yellow ribbon on the vase represents the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our comrades who are not among us tonight. A slice of lemon on the napkin reminds us of their bitter fate. The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait. The glass is inverted – they cannot toast with us this night. The chair is empty – they are not here. The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation. Let us pray to the supreme commander that all our comrades will be back within our ranks. Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices. May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families. We ask that you always remember all of our armed forces and their families. Their daily sacrifice should never go unnoticed. Remember, freedom is not free and if you haven't thanked a hero today, you really should! |
