POW Script.pdf

“The table is smaller than the others, symbolizing thefrailty of one prisoner alone against their oppressors.“The four service hats symbolize everyone who hasserved in all conflicts.“The white table cloth represents the purity of theirresponse to our country’s call to arms.“The bible is our symbol of our faith in a higherpower and the pledge to our country, founded as onenation under God.“The single red rose reminds us of the families andloved ones, and the yellow ribbon represents the loveof our country, which inspired them to answer ournation’s call.“The slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us oftheir bitter fate.“The salt on the bread plate represents the tears oftheir families.(Wait for guardsman to reach for the wineglass…)“The wineglass is turned upside down to remind usour distinguished comrades cannot be with us todrink a toast or join in the festivities this evening.

“The candle signifies the eternal flame of hope thatall of our missing will someday be returned.“For all of us present here tonight, may we alwaysremember:“It is the soldier, sailor, airman, and marine, not thereporter, who has given us freedom of the press.“It is the soldier, sailor, airman, and marine, not thepoet, who has given us freedom of speech.“It is the soldier, sailor, airman, and marine, not thecampus organizer, who has given us the freedom todemonstrate.‘It is the soldier, sailor, airman, and marine, not thelawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.“And...“It is the soldier, sailor, airman, and marine, whosalutes the flag, serves under the flag, and whosecoffin is draped by the flag.“Please rise as we honor all servicemen past, presentand future who may have or will be prisoners of waror missing in action. We honor them by the playingof taps.

(Taps is played)“Please be seated.”(As the music plays, escorts depart.)