We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation and imprisonment.
| THE TABLE |
The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.
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| WHITE TABLECLOTH |
We call them comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join together to pay humble tribute to them, and to bear witness to their continued absence. |
| SINGLE ROSE |
The single 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 faith, while awaiting their return. |
| RED RIBBON |
The red ribbon on the vase represents the red ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand, with unyielding determination, a proper account of our comrades who are NOT among us. |
| THE LEMON |
A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. |
| SALT |
The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait. |
| THE GLASS |
The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time. |
| THE CHAIR |
The chair is empty. They are NOT here. |
| THE CANDLE |
The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope. which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to open arms of a grateful nation. |
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