Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for May 28, 2017

Who is the third plate and glass for?

For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Have you ever counted up the wars? Way too many if you ask me…..Don’t forget the war with Mexico, or the Spanish American War….

Or the war on drugs…..

I thought they were helping in the restaurant on a very busy night.

And Varnes… yes.

we learned that there is a unused setting for formal dinners at USN that is not used ,as a symbol of those who paid the highest price for our country .

At a seder a glass of wine is poured for the Prophet Elijah and they open the front door in case he shows up.

This is what our American Legion has posted above the table set at all times with a lone light on it. The listed items are considered traditional. Some commands and units may place headcovers or other items at the place setting as well.

1. Table: set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one isolated prisoner. The table is usually set close to, or within sight of, the entrance to the dining room. For large events of the Missing Man Table is set for six places: members of the five armed services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) and a sixth place setting reminiscent of the civilians who died during service alongside the armed forces or missing during armed conflict . 2. Table is round to represent everlasting concern on the part of the survivors for their missing loved ones.3. Tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.4. Single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood that many have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.5. The red ribbon (yellow ribbon for Air Force ceremonies) represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.6. Slice of lemon on the bread plate: represents the bitter fate of the missing.7. Salt sprinkled on the bread plate: symbolic of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.8. Inverted glass: represents the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake.9. Lit candle: reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts

No greater love. . . . .

This is done not only at American Legion meetings but also at Vietnam Veterans of America meetings. It is to remember our fallen Brothers and Sisters. Thank you Jimmy for reminding us that this is not just a, cook-out, first weekend of summer, holiday. Tomorrow I will remember Bill, Tag, FNG, and Bobby and 58,000 more.

Most of the military “chow halls” I’ve visited over 30 years have an empty place setting at a table by the door symbolizing the POW, MIA, KIA.

What, still no friends for A & J??! Loneliest couple nobody knows…..sorry…

I have just been against most of those wars that tended to make things worse not better either for us or the people being destroyed by us.

Thank you.

should have been a poppy from Flanders fields