A Sister's Ponderings

Inspiration and realization often finds you in the oddest places. For me it was at the 2011 University of Kentucky Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Military Ball. The guests had all filed in. The head table had been seated. I felt my brother, AstroChem, come to attention just behind me as the colors were posted. As the first strains of the National Anthem were played, out of the corner of my eye I caught AstroChem right hand raise to his forehead. My heart skipped a beat as I surveyed the gathered assembly. I was proud to be the sister of a future officer.

The toasts to all the branches of the armed forces, the president and the university were made. Earlier I had noted a small table, close to where I was seated, set only for one. Once the toasts were completed a woman stepped to the podium. As she stepped to the podium the sounds of bagpipe drones came over the speakers in the hall. The oh so familiar sound of Amazing Grace played on a single pipe greeted my ears. Then the woman at the podium spoke.........

Ladies and Gentleman, please direct your attention to the center of our gathering. You may have noticed the table set before you. It is filling with symbolism. This table is set for our prisoners of war and those missing in action---from all wars. The chair is empty, but saved for their hoped return. Let us remember their absence. Let us remember the men and women prisoners of war from all branches of service that are too often forgotten. Let us remember them.

The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms – Remember……..

The lone candle symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner alone, trying to stand up against his oppressors -- Remember……. 

The single rose reminds us of the loved ones and families of our comrades in arms who keep the faith and await their return-- Remember……..

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate, if we do not bring them home -- Remember………..

There is salt on the plate, symbolic of the families’ tears as they wait and remember……….

The glass is inverted. They cannon toast with us tonight—maybe tomorrow, if we remember………

Tied to the flower is a yellow ribbon that is worn by thousands who await their return -- Remember……….

As we look upon this empty table, do not remember ghosts from the past, remember our comrades. Remember our comrades, those we depended on in battle. They depend on us to bring them home. Please join me in a silent toast to them.

Halfway through this remembrance, I was in tears. Sitting here now writing this I can feel the tears coming again. My brother has been the most precious thing to me since the moment I knew I was going to be a big sister. I have seen him grow and change so much in the last year since going to college and joining ROTC. I am so proud of him, but listening to the woman, I realized how much hurt I am risking and how many families are risking that same hurt everyday.

Later on the speaker for the evening, finished his speech with the line: "These torches of freedom were won with rivers of blood and tears." I realize now, in some part, what people experience everyday. This blog is dedicated to those service now, those who are missing and prisoners of war, and most especially those who wait at home. Waiting for news everyday, hoping for the best, but knowing they could never see their loved ones again.

While I know there will be hard days ahead, I will still always be proud of my brother and will someday be the proud sister of an officer in the US Air Force.

AstroChem in uniform at Military Appreciation Day