Prisoner of War remembrance

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- A Prisoner of War Missing Man Table is set up outside the Spangdahlem Post Office March 13, 2009. The chair is empty, but saved in hope the of the POW’s return. The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms so that their children could remain free. The lone candle symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner alone, trying to stand up against his oppressors. The single rose reminds us of the loved ones and families of our comrades in arms who keep the faith and await their return. A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate if we do not bring them home. The salt on the plate is symbolic of the family’s tears as they wait and remember. The glass is inverted as they cannot toast. The yellow ribbon represents the ribbon that is worn by thousands who await their return. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun)