We are mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice.
                Please focus on the empty dog crate and the small table which occupy a place of dignity and honor.  They are here to remind us of our fallen comrades who are unable to be with us today.
                The table is set for one, yet there are many represented by the single chair.  The table cloth is black, symbolizing the color of mourning; the ultimate sacrifice, a table set in honor of our fallen comrades.  The dinner setting inverted, for they dine with us in spirit only.  The bread plate is covered in salt, symbolizing the tears endured by the families of those who have sacrificed all.  The single lighted candle symbolizes the eternal flame and that their memory will live with us forever.  The red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of our fallen and the family and friends who miss them each and every day.  The red ribbon tied prominently on the vase is a reminder of the blood they shed protecting the liberty so loved by our country.  The Purple Heart Medal is displayed to reflect the infliction of wounds and the ebb of life in battle.  The dog tags are blank, yet they could bear the name of service men and women of every creed and color, and from every state of the union.  An inverted wine glass represents the toast they cannot make with us this day.  The chair is empty, for they can sit with us no longer.  The leash on the back of the chair symbolizes the everlasting, eternal bond between dog and handler.  The empty kennel represents the life that our four-legged comrades gave in service to our country.  The kennel door is left open, indicating that the dog will not be returning.  The long line and collar on top of the kennel mean that no matter where they are; the dog is always attached to their handler’s soul.  The toy represents the unconditional love, joy, and companionship they gave . . . especially during the long, lonely months spent away from home.  The inverted food bowl and water bucket serve as a reminder that they are no longer here to fulfill their needs, for which in life they asked for no more in return than companionship and affection.

                Lest we forget.