Memorial Day in Alexandria VA…
If you were walking down E. Luray Avenue in Alexandria, Virginia, maybe you saw this house ….
In front of that house was a table…..
… not, just any table but one bedecked with a white tablecloth, candle, red rose in a vase, wineglass, empty chair and more …
As you may have guessed, this is not just any house. Captain Jim Marshall (USAF Rtd) lives here with his good wife, Gail. It was Gail who came up with the idea to set up this symbolic table
On This Memorial Day We Honor The Fallen Soldier ★★
This table is reserved to honor our brave and selfless American military members who have perished on the battlefield, those who have not been returned to us after being taken prisoner on foreign soil, and for those who went missing and have not found their way back home.
The table is round- to show our everlasting concern for our fallen and our missing, and set for one, it is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her suppressors.
The white tablecloth – symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.
The single red rose– reminds us of the life of each of our fallen, and the loved ones and friends who miss them each and every day.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon – a symbol of our continued determination to remember our fallen and find our missing.
The slices of lemon – on the plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
A pinch of salt– symbolizes the tears endured by the friends and families of those who have fallen and of those who have not returned.
The inverted wine glass– they cannot toast with us at this time.
The empty chair– they are no longer with us.
The candle – is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation.