Added on May 26, 2025  Sara Swanson

Worth Repeating honors POWs & MIAs for Memorial Day

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Worth Repeating has set up a POW/MIA table in their window for Memorial Day. Photo credit: Sara Swanson.

by Sara Swanson

Worth Repeating has decorated their window honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action this Memorial Day. They have done this through a POW/MIA table. The Naval History and Heritage Command explains that the tradition of setting a separate table in honor of prisoners of war and missing comrades has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War. How the table is decorated is full of symbolism and meaning. There are many different versions out there but here is one version:

  • This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against their oppressors.
  • The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.
  • The single red rose in the vase signifies the blood that many have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith while awaiting their return.
  • The yellow ribbon on the candle represents the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our comrades who are not among us tonight.
  • A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.
  • The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.
  • The glass is inverted — they cannot toast with us this night.
  • The chair is empty — they are not here.

Worth Repeating also has “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae posted in the window. The poem was written during World War I by a Canadian physician after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier. It, as well as the poppy, have become symbols associated with soldiers who die in conflict and Memorial Day itself.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
    That mark our place; and in the sky
    The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
    Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
        In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
    The torch; be yours to hold it high.
    If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
        In Flanders fields.
                                                     — John McCrae

Photo credit: Sara Swanson.

In memory of those who gave all, let us never forget their service.

Photo credit: Sara Swanson.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.

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