The Alpine VFW post could only accommodate a few dozen attendees on the patio due to physical distancing limitations brought on to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that did not stop about 25 people from gathering to observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Sept. 18.
A glance around any VFW post usually reveals a recognizable table that remains set year-round in honor of those who are not there to share a meal with their comrades, however the third Friday of every September is set aside to ceremonially recognize those prisoners of war and service members who went missing in action and have yet to return home.
“This day is about people from every branch who sacrificed it all. It is for those who put their lives out there and, due to unfortunate circumstances, never came back,” Silva said.
Although a table remains set year-round inside the Alpine VFW as at most posts, a second table setting was added outside for Friday’s event, graced with caps representing all branches of service.
Each of the symbolic items at the table setting are recognizable and placed almost identically at similar tables in posts across the nation: a round table is used to show everlasting concern; a white tablecloth is included to symbolize purity; a ribbon around a vase holding one rose indicates continued determination to locate the missing person.
All of the items added to the table during the ceremony have meaning as well. A slice of lemon placed on the plate represents the bitter fate endured by those who were captured on foreign lands. A pinch of salt stands for the tears shed by families who continue to wait for answers.
A Bible is set beside the missing person’s plate as a symbol of faith.
Alpine VFW Commander Jack Gauthier addressed attendees with a reminder that although many service members never returned home, deceased remains are regularly found, leaving hope that every family who bid goodbye to a loved one in uniform will eventually receive closure.
Chaplain Theo Bazdorf said once a year is probably not enough to make people aware that unfound service members remain out there.
“We knew we couldn’t handle an influx of attendees so we didn’t publicize the event this year and we had to keep everything very subdued and distanced but it was important to host the event, even with lower numbers than usual,” Alpine VFW Quartermaster Carl Silva said.
Even with lower numbers than usual, he said he was grateful the post held the ceremony.
“You know, both in the Philippines and Vietnam, they’re still recovering remains of people who went missing in action. This ceremony is necessary but it’s also very emotional. People who attend this one come away realizing some people lost a lot and they’re still waiting,” Silva said.
Silva said the event was personally meaningful as it is to him every year, that he considers himself lucky to have made it home alive from Vietnam.
“So many didn’t,” Silva said.
