Missing man table

The missing man table may be a permanent display in dining facilities, and is also traditionally part of military dining-in ceremonies and service balls. The ceremony may also be performed in conjunction with Veterans Day and Memorial Day services.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905171155/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/04/marine_almar02007_070412/ |archive-date=2008-09-05

|title=ALMAR 020/07

|date=11 April 2007 |url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/04/marine_almar02007_070412/

}}{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/22789/|title=West Point Army Birthday Celebration|publisher=}}

File:Missing Man Table at Eglin AFB.jpg.]]

File:24-01-144-pow-mia-table.jpg]]

The missing man table consists of the following elements:

• A small table set for one, symbolizing the isolation of the absent service member. The table is usually set close to, or within sight of, the entrance to the dining room. For large events, the missing man table may be set for seven places representing each of the six armed services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard), with the seventh symbolizing the civilians who died during armed conflict.{{cite book|last=Bannerman|first=Stacy |title=When the war came home: the inside story of reservists and the families they leave behind|url=https://archive.org/details/whenwarcamehomei0000bann|url-access=registration|quote=missing man table.|year=2006|publisher=Continuum International Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8264-1795-4|page=[https://archive.org/details/whenwarcamehomei0000bann/page/178 178]}} If space allows, a round table is used to represent the everlasting concern the survivors have for the missing.{{cite web|url=http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/pow_day/documents/missing_man_ceremony_instructions.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425192838/http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/pow_day/documents/missing_man_ceremony_instructions.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 25, 2012|title=Missing Man Table and Honors Ceremony (instructions)|website=www.dtic.mil}}
• One or more head covers may be placed upon the table to represent the armed service of the missing persons.{{cite web |url=https://www.beale.af.mil/News/story/id/123320096/ |title=Beale honors POW/MIA Recognition Day |access-date=2013-03-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224083953/http://www.beale.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123320096 |archive-date=2013-02-24 }}
• A white tablecloth to symbolize the pure intentions of the service members who responded to the country's call to arms.{{cite web |url=http://www.afa.org/members/commtools/ceremonies/PDFs/Script_POW_MIA_Ceremony_9-18-08.pdf |title=EVENT: AFSA POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony |accessdate=2013-03-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226224344/http://afa.org/members/commtools/ceremonies/PDFs/Script_POW_MIA_Ceremony_9-18-08.pdf |archivedate=2010-12-26 }}
• A single rose in the vase symbolizing the blood that service members have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of the United States of America. This rose also represents the family and friends who keep the faith while awaiting the return of the missing service members.{{cite web |url=http://floridalegion.org/Page%20Contents/forms/POW%20MIA%20Manual.pdf |title=POW – MIA Manual |publisher=The American legion Department of Florida |accessdate=2013-03-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417082019/http://floridalegion.org/Page%20Contents/forms/POW%20MIA%20Manual.pdf |archivedate=2012-04-17 }}
• The yellow ribbon represents a love of country that inspired the service members to serve the country.{{cite web|url=http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/10/06/the-powmia-table-a-place-setting-for-one-a-table-for-all/comment-page-1/|title=The POW/MIA Table: A Place Setting for One, A Table for All|website=Navy Live|access-date=2016-11-30|archive-date=2016-12-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203115229/http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/10/06/the-powmia-table-a-place-setting-for-one-a-table-for-all/comment-page-1/|url-status=dead}}
• A slice of lemon on the bread plate that represents the bitter fate of the missing.{{cite web |url=http://www.afa.org/members/powmia.asp |title=Pow-Mia Ceremony |accessdate=2013-03-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310010003/http://www.afa.org/members/powmia.asp |archivedate=2013-03-10 }}
• Salt sprinkled on the bread plate that symbolizes the tears shed by waiting families.
• An inverted glass to represent the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake.
• A lit candle symbolizes a light of hope that lives in hearts to illuminate the missing's way home.
• An empty chair to represent the absence of the missing and fallen.{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/90956/Veterans_honored_at_annual_Fort_Meade_luncheon/|title=Veterans honored at annual Fort Meade luncheon|author=Lisa R. Rhodes |date=November 8, 2012}}

File:POWMIA table DDG-110.jpg honors her namesake with a missing man table.]]

The elements are tradition, not prescribed. Individual displays may differ depending on the availability, practicality, and appropriateness of the various elements in a particular venue. For instance, private displays by individuals or groups may include a book of faith.{{cite web |title=The POW/MIA or Missing Man Table |url=https://www.defense.gov/external-content/story/Article/2776327/the-powmia-or-missing-man-table/ |website=U.S. DepartmentofDefense |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=9 December 2023}} The inclusion of the Bible in public (publicly funded installations) displays has been challenged due to violations of the First Amendment and DoD Instruction resulting in its removal.{{Cite web|last=Burke|first=Matthew|date=2018-04-07|title=Advocacy Group Wants Bible Removed from POW/MIA Display|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/04/07/advocacy-group-pushes-remove-bible-pow-mia-display.html|access-date=2021-09-08|website=Military.com|archive-date=2021-09-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908053531/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/04/07/advocacy-group-pushes-remove-bible-pow-mia-display.html|url-status=dead}}

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Category:Military traditions