The “Table of the Unknown Soldier”—officially known as the Missing Woman Table or Fallen Comrade Table—is a solemn ceremonial display commonly set up in U.S. military dining facilities, veterans halls, and during official military dinners to honor fallen, missing, or imprisoned service members. 

Every item placed on the small, solitary table holds a specific, symbolic meaning: Symbolism / MeaningRound TableSymbolizes the unending concern and burden for the missing.White TableclothRepresents the pure intentions of the service member to answer their country’s call.Empty ChairThe seat remains unclaimed because the missing soldier is not there.Single Red RoseRepresents the lives of the missing and the loved ones keeping faith while awaiting their return.Yellow / Red RibbonTied to the rose, it symbolizes a continued determination to account for the missing.Slice of LemonRepresents the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.Pinch of SaltSymbolizes the tears of the missing and the families who long for answers.Inverted GlassSymbolizes the inability of the missing service member to share a toast.Lighted CandleReflects the hope for their return, alive or deceased.Bible / BookRepresents spiritual strength and faith that loved ones will return.

(Note: If you are looking for the actual gravesite of unidentified service members, you can explore the history of the continuously guarded Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery). 

Dedicated to Anna Paulina Luna

From David Michael Ramsey