Missing Man Table

We have lost more friends recently. I cannot remember who I have mentioned in blip. We attended the funeral of a lady one year older than me. When they lived in our county, she and her hubby were extremely close friends with my first husband and me. My mother made her wedding dress. Their girls hung out with ours. A new job caused them to move to WV. We lost touch except through Facebook. Our second friend who passed last week was a fellow Knight. We saw them at all Knights’ functions and usually had dinner together every Friday in Lent. The third friend to pass worked directly with me on base for 20 years. That whole group has stayed in touch and feels like family. He and his wife are my nephew’s Godparents. We will be in TN and not able to go to either man’s funeral. The celebration of life for hubby’s TN friend’s wife is Saturday 17 May. We went to lunch after the funeral. Mission BBQ is celebrating military members this week. Today was for Navy folks. Hubby’s lunch was free. Their food is so good. This “missing man table” was across from us at the restaurant. We picked up two graduation cards. I have almost finished packing for our TN/WV trip. We rearranged our master bedroom for my mother who will be here for at least two months starting when we get back home. Unless the plan for our BIL’s radiation changes. I am glad Renee furnished lots of Mexican leftovers. No cooking required before we leave. River’s baseball game was rained out. At least we aren’t having flooding issues like some of the eastern states. We’ve had some terrible weather related vehicle accidents. A large mature oak tree fell on a minivan yesterday. Thankfully, no one was injured. I should get up and finish packing and take care of other pre-travel tasks. Wishing you a stress-free evening. Stay safe. Thanks for visiting. “The POW/MIA remembrance table, also known as the Missing Man Table, is a symbolic display used in military settings to honor those who are prisoners of war, missing in action, or fallen in service. It's a small table set for one, with specific items representing their sacrifice and the hope for their return. Here's a breakdown of the symbolism:
* White tablecloth:Represents the purity of their intentions and willingness to serve. 
* Empty chair: Symbolizes the absence of the service member, indicating they are not present at the gathering. 
* Single red rose: Reminds us of the sacrifice they made and the families who wait for them. 
* Red ribbon on the rose: Represents the determination to keep fighting for a proper accounting of those missing. 
* Yellow candle: Represents the light of hope and the hope for a reunion. 
* Inverted glass: Symbolizes the inability to partake in the celebration or toast. 
* Bible (optional): Represents faith and the belief in a higher power. 
* Lemon on the plate: Reminds us of the bitter fate of POWs and those missing. 
* Salt on the plate: Symbolizes the tears of families as they wait for their loved ones to return. 
* Black napkin (optional): Represents the void left in the hearts of those who mourn. “
- Wikipedia