All those who served our country were individuals of courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication. For those who remain Prisoners of War or Missing in Action, their service continues. We must ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten..
The VFW is committed to the fullest accounting of all missing American service members. We urge the U.S. government to continue and strengthen efforts to locate and account for POWs/MIAs. We are actively engaging with former enemy nations to secure vital information and regularly meet with officials in the Pacific, Asia, and Europe to stress the importance of investigation, recovery operations, and access to key documents. We will not rest until every missing service member is brought home.
The POW/MIA Missing Man Table is a powerful and solemn symbol of the sacrifices made by prisoners of war (POWs) and those still missing in action (MIAs). It is typically displayed during military and veterans' ceremonies to honor and remember those who have been captured or remain unaccounted for in combat.
The table is set with several key items, each representing a specific aspect of the missing service members' experiences:
Empty Chair – A single chair is left vacant to symbolize the missing service members who are not present.
White Tablecloth – The table is covered with a white cloth to represent the purity of the intentions of those who serve.
Single Red Rose – A red rose is placed on the table in honor of the loved ones and families who continue to wait for their return.
Black Ribbon – A black ribbon is tied around the base of the rose, symbolizing the grief of families and the uncertainty of those still missing.
Lit Candle – A single lit candle represents the light of hope that continues to burn for those still missing and the memory of their sacrifice.
Lemon Slice – A slice of lemon is placed on a plate to represent the bitterness of the experience, as POWs often endured harsh conditions.
Salt – A pinch of salt is placed on the plate, symbolizing the tears of families who are mourning the absence of their loved ones.
Upturned Glass – An upturned glass signifies that the missing are not present to join in the meal and are not forgotten.
This table and chair are sacred and are never to be touched or moved. They are a permanent tribute to those who are still missing, and their integrity must be preserved as a mark of respect for their sacrifice. The Missing Man Table serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices of our military personnel, particularly those who are still unaccounted for, and is a solemn tribute to their enduring legacy.
We exist to uphold the enduring values of duty, honor, and service. Formed by Veterans, for Veterans, we stand as a fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational organization committed to protecting the legacy of those who served. Our bond is forged through shared experience, the hardships, the sacrifices, the victories.. and that bond is sacred.
We are dedicated to preserving the spirit of camaraderie that carried us through our time in uniform. That same spirit now guides us as we support our fellow comrades. Whether you are struggling, in need, or simply seeking connection. No one gets left behind. Not then. Not now.
We honor the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters by keeping their stories alive, not just in ceremony, but in action. Their courage, their service, and their sacrifice are etched into our mission. We will not let them be forgotten.
We also recognize the weight borne by the families of the fallen. We are committed to supporting the widows, children, and loved ones left behind to stand in the gap, to be there when others can’t.
Our loyalty to this nation is unwavering. We swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States, and that oath did not expire when we hung up our uniforms. We continue to defend the freedoms and values that make this country worth fighting for, just as we did in service.
As veterans and members of this organization, we remain vigilant, united, and resolute. Our mission is not over. Through continued service, mentorship, and outreach, we ensure that the next generation understands the cost of freedom and the strength of those willing to protect it.
Freedom isn't free. But neither is it forgotten. Not on our watch.
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to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families and continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families.
Our programs support our service members while they are on the front line, as they are being discharged and long after they return. Your tax-deductible donation will be immediately directed to the VFW programs where your support is most urgently needed.
