August 16, 2007, Meeting Features Rev. Ewell Black and

the MIA/POW Ceremony

The table was set for the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony ...

Rev. Ewell Black, who is the Fifth District Chaplain and a member of Smyrna Post 160, was a POW/MIA from The Battle of the Bulge, captured December 19, 1944. He explains the set up for the POW/MIA Remembrance Table, and conducted the Ceremony as follows:

"The POW MIA Remembrance Ceremony"

As you entered the Armory Mess Hall this evening, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.
This Table set for one is small -- Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember!
The Tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember!
The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember!
The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember!
The Candle, the candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember!
A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember!
There is Salt upon the bread plate -- Symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember!
The Glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember!
The Chair -- The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember!
Remember! -- All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!
Remember! -- Until the day they come home, Remember!

SUGGESTED TABLE SET UP:
1. A small, round bistro table
2. White tablecloth
3. Single place setting, preferably all white
4. Wine glass - inverted
5. Salt shaker
6. Slice of lemon on bread plate with a pile of spilled salt
7. Small bud vase with a single stem red rose
8. RED ribbon tied around the vase
9. Candle - lit
10. Empty chair

Those in attendance were attentive and responsive as they listened to the Ceremony and to Rev. Black's story of his capture and interment during World War II in German Stalags.

All in all, it was an impressive Ceremony.

The membership also voted to purchase a large brick at the Veteran's Memorial at Patriot's Point at Lake Acworth to commemorate our fallen comrades of The American Legion North Cobb Post 304.

Post 304 is grateful for the service provided by Chaplain, POW/MIA and Veteran and Legionnaire Ewell Black.