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POW/MIA Remembrance: September 21, 2007

Written by veterans  |  15. September 2007

A small, round bistro table Covered with a white tablecloth Six place settings, all white Six wine glasses - inverted A Salt shaker A slice of lemon on bread plates with a pile of spilled salt A Small bud vase with a single stem red rose A RED ribbon tied around the vase A Candle - lit Six Empty chairs A Bible A small table set for six, the empty places represent Americans still missing from each of the five services -- Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard - and civilians. This table symbolizes that members of the profession-of-arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs; we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them. The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing men. This Table is small -- Symbolizing the frailty of a prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember! The Tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember! The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember! The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember! The Candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember! A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plates to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember! There is Salt upon the bread plates -- Symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember! The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one Nation under God. The Glasses are inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember! The Chairs -- The chairs are empty. They are not here. Remember! Remember! -- All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember! Remember! -- Until the day they come home, Remember! This Week's Not Commented on Topic - One Topic, Two Points of View POLITICAL STATEMENT: In a televised speech, President Bush said his "surge" strategy has produced positive results, which will allow the US to cut the number of troops in Iraq. The Washington Post says Bush "made a case for progress in Iraq by citing facts and statistics that at times contradicted recent government reports or his own words." On MSNBC, Chris Matthews said, "The idea we're one of 36 countries fighting the war I think is ludicrous and why the President would throw that out there, I think it only opens him up to ridicule." USA Today reports Bush's plan would "leave about 130,000 American troops in Iraq -- roughly the same number there when Bush ordered the temporary boost eight months ago." The AP says a "new White House report on Iraq shows slim progress." POLITICAL HUMOR: "Earlier tonight," President Bush "gave his eighth speech to the nation about Iraq. In it, President Bush promised to have the troops home by speech number 73." --- Regards, Walt Schmidt

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