We call them comrades
They are unable to be with their loved ones and families tonight, so we join together to pay our humble tribute to them, and bear witness to their continued absence
A table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors
The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their countrys call to arms
The single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood they 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
The yellow ribbon on the vase represents the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our comrades who are not among us tonight
A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate
The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait
The glass is inverted - they cannot toast with us this night
The chair is empty - they are not here
The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation
Let us pray to the supreme commander that all of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks
Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices. May god forever watch over them and protect them and their families