Schools

A Table Set for Those Who Will Not Be Forgotten

The Eleanor Rush Intermediate School community remembered and honored soldiers missing in action and those held prisoners of war.

A solemn presentation commemorated Memorial Day at  May 18. Superintendent Salvatore Illuzzi, school board members, visiting veterans, faculty and students were in attendance.

An empty table—a military mess hall tradition—was set for only one as a reminder of those who are missing or imprisoned. Representatives from the Riverside American Legion Post 146 patiently explained the unexplainable to third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students.

“Where are the missing soldiers and prisoners of war?" "How many are there?" "Are they still alive?” were questions asked over and over by young students who couldn’t quite grasp the meaning of "missing in action" or "prisoner of war." Students fell silent each time they heard, “We don’t know how many, we’re not sure where they are, we don’t know if they are alive.”

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Officers and representatives of American Legion Post 146 from Riverside included Post Commander Joseph Cranmer, Post Commander Leonard Burger, Post Junior Vice Commander Bobbi Horowitz, George States and Meredith Solly.

They clarified the meanings of POW and MIA, explained the symbolism and history of the POW/MIA flag, and described the importance of the table set for one.

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Each item on the table holds significance. There is only one setting symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his enemies; the table cloth is white representing the purity of a soldier’s motives when called to duty; a single red rose is a reminder of the lives of all the missing and their friends and families who wait; a red ribbon is tied around the vase as a sign of determination to account for those missing; a candle is lit to show the upward reach of a soldier’s unconquerable spirit; a lemon slice represents the bitter fate of those missing; a pinch of salt for the tears of those missing and their loved ones; the glass is inverted because those missing cannot toast at the table; and the chair is empty because those missing are not here.

Students listened intently and then heartily saluted as a flag was placed on the table to honor those missing.

Students inquired about the decorated uniforms and hats and the meaning of those decorations. Many students raised their hands to announce that grandfathers, fathers, mothers, uncles and aunts are in the military. All comments were met with applause for those loved ones who have served or are serving our country.

American Legion Post officers, visiting veterans, administrators, faculty and students joined together to honor, remember, and learn about the many brave men and women who are missing in action and prisoners of war. They will never be forgotten.

—Submitted by Patch Columnist Janet Tumelty of Eleanor Rush


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