On Wednesday afternoon, I attended the POW-MIA ceremony called "In Remembrance" and held on the VA hospital property/memorial garden site in Vancouver. The ceremony was very moving. I could not help but shed a few tears for those families who still hope to learn something of their family members who served in Vietnam and
never
returned. . .
.
In Remembrance
The table is set for one, to show our everlasting concern for our missing men: REMEMBER!
The tablecloth is white, symbolyzing the purity of their motives when answering the call to dury. REMEMBER!
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the families and the loved ones who keep faith awaiting their return. REMEMBER!
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing. REMEMBER!
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers, REMEMBER!
The glass is inverted, as they cannot share a toast with us. REMEMBER!
The chair is empty, they are missing. REMEMBER!
Copies of the above words were also available to anyone who wanted them.
The merchant seaman was not a part of the military but were drafted into service during war. This honor of recognition is well overdue.
This reflecting pool for the MIA-POW has individual bricks with names of missing in Vietnam. The water re-circulates in several places around the edge. There are 5 benches around the edges of the garden setting (not shown). It is very moving!
The Korean War Memorial is very touching-- the bench is a part of it. One day, I will post to my bench blog again and show you both sides which are beautiful addition to the monument it faces.
CLICK to enlarge and read the words. They say it all!
I almost missed out on the cake by time as I circulated around the gym at the VA looking for interesting information at the tables!
This was a wonderful ceremony. . . I am glad I found out about it! I hope you enjoyed the photos and words of this experience,
All those symbols are very strong, but i think that the empty table is the most moving one, the thing that families have to live with every day..Very moving and interesting post.
ReplyDeleteVery moving display. Wanted to say welcome back to the blogosphere :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much . . . this exhibit is timeless.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Paulie. I cannot imagine the pain of family members who have no idea wad happened to loved ones.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and moving post, Paulie. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to remember the sacrifices others have made(and are still making)on our behalf. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteIt was good to see you in my comment box, welcome back!
Thanks for sharing this with us...
ReplyDeleteWe should also remember the Coast Guard..they are an important service branch that is overlooked at times.
Mama Bear
Thank you for the reminder, Paulie. So symbolic of all who don't return from war.
ReplyDeletePowerful. Gorgeous. Thank you, Paulie.
ReplyDelete