- November 15, 2024
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The rose represents the the loved ones and families of our comrades and arms who await their return. Photos by Anastasia Pagello
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Air Force ROTC POWMIA Honor Guard cadets each represent a branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Every object on the table symbolizes the emotions associated with losing a soldier to POWMIA.
Flagler Couty Public Library Director Holly Albanese hosted the ceremony injunction with the Friends of the Library.
An emotional presentation was performed to honor and remember victims of POWMIA from all branches of the United States Armed Forces at the Flagler County Public Library Monday, Nov. 9. Each cadet from the Embry Riddle Air Force ROTC POW/MIA Honor Guard represented one of the United States Armed Forces. The five cadets created a circle surrounding a table draped in white symbolizing the men and women taken as prisoners of war and those missing in action. “The table cloth is white: symbolizing the purity of their intensions to respond to their countries calls for arms; so that their children can remain free,” Cadet Redley said. “Our ceremony reminds the community to respect and honor our veterans and remain aware of their sacrifices.”
The White Table Ceremony originated from the Arnold Air Society at Embry Riddle. The tradition has since been passed along to the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard and is performed multiple times a year upon community member’s request. Each cadet is handpicked based on their dedication to the program, ideals and morale, to ensure the ceremony is taken seriously.
“You may have noticed the table that is set before you is filled with symbolism,” Embry Riddle Air Force ROTC POW/MIA Honor Guard Cadet Donald Redley said. “This table is set for our prisoners of war and those missing in action. From all wars, let us honor and remember them.”
Old memories and emotions swept over the audience during the presentation. Sylvia Danese, a retired high school teacher, chocked up with tears after watching the ceremony. The symbolism from the white table brought back memories of her life when she was just eighteen. Her fiancé had lost his life while defending our country in the Vietnam War. “The years have not made the memory of him go away,” Danese said. “Even after having a husband and kids the pain still persists. As a country we cannot do enough for those who sacrifice their lives to keep us all safe. I hope future generations will continue to love and show respect for our fallen heroes.”
