The Lodge prepared and served Ham with Macaroni & Cheese on Wednesday, November 12th. Veterans were invited to dine free. The dinner was a success with 64 meals served.
Below are some photographs taken during the evening by Jim Yager.
A table was set in honor of missing veterans. The message on the wall behind the table reads as follows:
We call your attention to this small table, which occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our Armed Forces are missing from our ranks. They are referred to as POW and MIAs.
We call them comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join together and pay humble tribute to them, and bear witness to their continued absence.
The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.
The white tablecloth is a symbol of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.
The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they may 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 faith while awaiting their return.
The yellow ribbon on the vase represents the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand, with unyielding determination, a proper account of our comrades who are not among us.
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 us at this time.
The chair is empty. They are NOT here!
The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to open arms of a grateful nation.
The American Flag reminds us that many of them may never return - and have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom.