Somber Remembrance At POW/MIA Empty Chair Ceremony

Prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action were remembered at the Korean War Memorial dedication at Veterans Memorial Park on July 27, 2013, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.

This Patch video of the ceremony explains the symbolism of the so-called "Empty Chair Remembrance Ceremony." 

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Text Of The Empty Chair Remembrance Ceremony

The table is round — to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.

The tablecloth is white — symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.

The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the[ir] loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.

The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.

A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

The glass is inverted — to symbolize their inability to share this evening's [morning’s/day’s] toast.

The chairs are empty — they are missing.

Let us now raise our water glasses in a toast to honor America's POW/MIAs and to the success of our efforts to account for them.