The Fallen Soldier Table
We call attention to this small table that occupies a place of dignity and
honor.
This table is reserved to honor our missing and fallen soldiers.
The white tablecloth stands for the purity of the service members' intentions
when answering the call to serve their nation.
The empty chair represents an unknown face behind a loss that will never be
filled.
The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in
the hearts of their loved ones.
The red rose reminds us of the life of the soldier and the love from the
family and friends of our missing/departed comrades.
The yellow ribbon signifies the everlasting support we have for our
troops.
The lighted candle reflects the light of hope which lives in our hearts.
The inverted glass symbolizes the fallen's inability to share in the evening's
toast.
Let us never forget the sacrifices of those and their loved ones.
I had never seen anything like this in a public place, but I wonder if it's because Saint Robert is close to the entrance of Fort Leonard Wood Army training installation.
Five years ago: Mass In The Age Of Coronavirus
What a lovely gesture.
ReplyDeleteWell done to whoever thought of it,
ReplyDeletewe really should remember the innocent fallen of a war.
Nice. Saint Robert IS the entrance to Fort Wood.
ReplyDeleteThe museum at the Fort is one of those places that's on my bucket list to visit.
DeleteVery moving gesture -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.cim
ReplyDeleteAt our VFW we keep the MIA/POW table up year round. It’s touching.
ReplyDeleteI can see how it would be.
DeletePraying for peace. Thank you. May they R.I.P.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Kathy.
What an extraordinary and touching gesture.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this at many local restaurants and a scene like this is so very touching. In remembrance of the Heroes that fought for our freedom.
ReplyDeleteThose Heroes deserve remembrance every day.
Deleteamazing post... brought tears to our eyes!
ReplyDeleteYou weren't the only one :-)
DeleteI'm going to assume that this Panera has an outstanding manager who did something, or okayed it, like this. The Paneras here are very casual dining, even more so than a Dennys. I cannot imagine this showing up in their stores. This took effort, attention to detail, and care.
ReplyDeleteSomeone once told me that Panera franchisees have a little autonomy. As I mentioned in the post I suspect the installation had much to do with the fact that the restaurant is close to a military base.
DeleteA terrific example of respect, reverence, and remembrance.
ReplyDeleteI thought so also
DeleteThat's really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love that.
ReplyDeleteHow very lovely. Up around here people crochet or felt poppies and we hang thousands of them off the side of the hospital on November 11th. Our local memorial is in front of the hospital, so it makes sense. But a year round rememberance is a fine and loving thing.
ReplyDeleteI have seen photos of poppies, which I think is a lovely gesture.
DeleteWhat a powerful and moving tribute. I’ve heard of the Fallen Soldier Table, but seeing it described through your eyes, especially in such an everyday setting like Panera, really highlights its emotional impact. The symbolism behind each item is so thoughtful and poignant—it’s a quiet but strong reminder of the sacrifices so many have made.
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right that the proximity to Fort Leonard Wood influenced its presence there. Thank you for sharing this—it's a meaningful moment that more people should experience and reflect on.
Asep, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
DeleteReally nice. I've never seen this in a restaurant before. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWow within seconds my way to look at this table was changed completely
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing as nicely dear Kathy 🥰
I too hardly found such thing shared by anyone on blogs
I agree with you that looking at the table more closely completely changed my understanding of it.
DeleteThat is so moving.
ReplyDeleteWow. That is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe put out a display similar to that every year at work.
ReplyDelete