A Quiet Taps

The Detroit Historical Museum has been hosting the traveling Vietnam Wall for Michigan, supported by a veteran's group out of Mt Clemens. It is a smaller wall with only the names of those from Michigan killed in the conflict. The great care with which the men and women honor the fallen from our state is well evident through both the memorial they have created and maintain, and through their willingness to help veterans new and old in their transfer back to civilian life.

Yet though the wall itself is sobering, the most intriguing part of their display was a single place setting set out to remember our Prisoners of War and the Missing in Action. It was a table set off to itself with the American flag and the flags of each service surrounding the memorial. The table held a Bible and a complete food service, with plates, a glass, a chair, and eating utensils, each set up to symbolize particular aspects of the trials and hopes of those lost to us and their loved ones.

Salt alone was scattered on the main dinner plate, to symbolize the tears of those who wait for the return of the POWs or discovery of the MIAs.

A lemon wedge was on the bread plate to symbolize the bitterness of the situation for the unfound soldiers and sailors, and their families and friends.

A single red rose reminds us that we must keep the faith for their return.

A single candle is lit to help illuminate their way home.

The wine glass is inverted, because the person cannot be there to toast with us.

Most importantly, the chair is empty, for the soldier isn't there.

A veteran explained that every dining hall at every military base is expected to have such a memorial, in tribute to those who have served or fallen and are not with us, or somehow, sadly, unknown to us.

Of all the items at the Museum for this Vietnam tribute, that was the most moving. It was there to remind us of one critical point, one single duty which we each have to the POWs and MIAs of our own and our allies.

Never Forget.