The Missing Man Table ceremony is a poignant and deeply respectful tribute to those who are missing in action (MIA) or prisoners of war (POW). It serves as a powerful reminder of their sacrifice and the enduring hope for their safe return. This script provides a framework for conducting a meaningful and impactful ceremony. Remember to adapt it to suit your specific needs and the context of your event.
Setting the Scene
The Missing Man Table should be meticulously arranged. It's traditionally small, round, and set apart from the main dining area. Items placed on the table symbolize the missing personnel:
- A single, empty chair: Represents the missing person.
- An inverted wine glass: Symbolizes the inability to share a toast with the missing.
- An unlit candle: Represents the light of hope that remains.
- A slice of lemon: Symbolizes the bitter fate of those missing.
- A pinch of salt: Symbolizes the tears shed by those who mourn.
- A single red rose: Symbolizes the blood spilled in service.
- A black napkin: Symbolizes the darkness of their absence.
- A white bread plate: Symbolizes the purity of their intentions.
The Script
Master of Ceremonies (MC): Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate [occasion of the event], but also to solemnly remember and honor those brave individuals who are missing in action or prisoners of war. Their sacrifices and unwavering dedication to our country demand our perpetual respect. We hold them in our hearts and minds, praying for their safe return.
Reader 1: (Reads a poem or passage about remembrance and hope. Examples include poems by Walt Whitman or other works relevant to MIA/POW remembrance.)
(Pause for reflection)
MC: We now come to the Missing Man Table, a powerful symbol of our enduring commitment to never forget those who serve.
(The MC walks to the Missing Man Table and points to each item, explaining its significance. This section should be adapted to your specific needs; below is a sample):
MC: This empty chair represents the missing comrade who is unable to join us tonight. Their absence is keenly felt. The inverted wine glass symbolizes our inability to share a toast with them. This unlit candle signifies the hope that still flickers in our hearts for their safe return. The slice of lemon is a reminder of the bitter fate that has befallen them. This pinch of salt represents the tears shed by those who mourn. The single red rose reminds us of the blood they may have spilled in service to our country. The black napkin is a symbol of the darkness of their absence. Finally, the white bread plate symbolizes the purity of their intentions and their dedication to serving our nation.
(Pause for silence and reflection.)
MC: Let us take a moment of silence to remember the courage, the sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of those who remain missing.
(Moment of silence)
Reader 2: (Reads a brief biography of a specific MIA/POW, if appropriate. This adds a deeply personal touch.)
MC: The Missing Man Table stands as a lasting tribute, a solemn promise that we will never forget. We will continue to search for them and honor their memory. We honor their bravery and the profound sacrifices they have made for our nation.
(The MC may invite the audience to observe a moment of silence, followed by the playing of Taps or another appropriate musical selection.)
(The MC thanks those gathered for their attendance and participation.)
Adapting the Script
This script is a template. Feel free to adjust the poems, readings, and the order of events to best suit your context. You may wish to include prayers, specific names of missing personnel (with permission from their families), or specific accounts of their service.
Remember that the Missing Man Table ceremony is about creating a respectful and meaningful tribute to those missing. By customizing the script and ceremony elements, you can create a deeply resonant and powerful experience for all in attendance. Consider printing this script and other details on high-quality paper for a more formal presentation.
