This Memorial Day

I walked into my local Walmart and was surprised to see the table for the fallen soldier at the door.

Honestly, I had forgotten about it. I’ve been out of the military for several years now, and with my own struggles with PTSD, I have tried to avoid that will remind me..

The scene nearly brought tears to my eyes as I remembered soldiers who I’ve lost, and the countless ones before who didn’t make it home.

I wish I had snapped a photo. Instead, I’m borrowing one from the internet. But I thought I’d also share the meaning of table set up for the soldier who didn’t make it home:

• The table is round to show our everlasting concern.
• The cloth is white symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.
• The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers.
• The red ribbon symbolizes our continued uncertainty, hope for their return, and determination to account for them.
• A slice of lemon reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured or missing in a foreign land.
• A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers.
• The glass is inverted to symbolize their inability to share a toast.
• The chair is empty because loved ones are still missing.

Photo Credit: Creator: Joseph Sywenkyj Credit: For The New York Times