In a gesture that extends beyond lip service and into the realm of poignant symbolism, Bloomington's Veterans Appreciation Lunch will once again feature the Fallen Comrade Table, honoring those who served but never made it home. This solemn table is meticulously set with items, each carrying a weight of meaning designed to remind attendees of the soldiers who are missing or were captured during their service. A slice of lemon, as pointed out by Bloomington's official announcement, signifies the bitter fate of the missing, while salt represents the tears shed by their families.
The ritual of the table is not just a simple tribute but serves as an anchor, compelling us not to gloss over the profound absence of these individuals in the lives of their loved ones and the nation. With the table, set for one, each element, from the empty chair to the inverted glass, is replete with intention, meticulously chosen to convey a message that goes beyond words. The white tablecloth, according to the same official announcement, symbolizes the purity of the soldiers' motives when answering the call to duty.
Continuing the city's commitment to remember those who sacrificed so much, the POW/MIA flag will also be displayed from November 8-15 at both Civic Plaza and Public Works. This gesture of flying the flag, which stands as a symbol of national remembrance, aims to reinforce the message that the heroes, who are either prisoners of war or missing in action, are always in the forefront of civic consciousness. The whereabouts of the flag, with their stark black-and-white imagery and its emblem of a soldier in silhouette being guarded by a watchful tower and a strand of barbed wire, lends further gravity to the already solemn Veterans festivities.
Amidst the planned activities and the shared meals, the Fallen Comrade Table remains a silent yet eloquent testament to the sacrifices of these individuals. Standing alone, set apart from the rest, the table is there to remind the attendees, who may be enjoying the company of comrades and the surge of communal gratitude, that there exists an obligation to remember, an obligation that persists amidst our collective gatherings and joyful reunions—an obligation never to forget the cost paid by those who cannot be present to recount their own tales. This tradition provides a moment to pause, reflect, and pay respects for bravery that has gone unanswered, but not unnoticed.
