All those who fought and served their country when they received the call, were men and women of courage, judgment, integrity and dedication. Where does dedication end? You can never put an end to dedication. After all, those who remain Prisoners of War or are still Missing in Action are still serving with never ending dedication. For them, it can never be over. For us, we can never let their sacrifices, or them, be forgotten.

At Dixon-Conderman VFW Post 2514 in New Bern, NC, we are deeply committed to supporting and remembering Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA). As veterans, we pledge to never forget the sacrifices of our comrades who remain unaccounted for, ensuring their stories and legacies endure in our community and beyond.

Central to our POW/MIA efforts is the symbolic Missing Man Table, a poignant tradition that honors the absent and reminds us of our ongoing duty to account for them. Below is the explanation of its elements:

The Missing Man Table

• The Table, Set For One, Is Small – symbolizing the isolation of the absent, not with us today
• The Tablecloth Is White – symbolizing the purity of intentions to respond to their country's call to arms
• The Single Red Rose In A Vase – represents the blood that has been shed to ensure our freedom, and also represents the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms, who keep the faith awaiting their return
• The Red Ribbon – represents a love of country that inspired their service, and our continued determination to account for the missing
• The Slice Of Lemon On A Plate – represents the bitter fate of our missing comrade
• The Salt Sprinkled On The Plate – symbolizes the tears shed by those who wait for them
• An Inverted Glass – reminds us that they cannot share a toast with us today
• A Lit Candle – symbolizes a light of hope in our hearts, to illuminate the missing's way home
• The Chair Is Empty – They are missing...

Let Us Remember that this nation must never forget our missing. It is our duty as veterans of our nation's wars to meet this obligation. It is a commitment we will gladly accept on behalf of our missing comrades, and one we pledge to keep.

Our Annual Missing Man Table Ceremony

Each year on POW/MIA Recognition Day (the third Friday in September), we host the Missing Man Table Ceremony at our Post. This solemn event features the symbolic table setup, readings, and moments of reflection to honor POWs and MIAs. It serves as a powerful reminder of their sacrifices and our unwavering resolve to bring them home. The ceremony is open to members, families, and the community—join us to pay tribute and show your support.

Through these initiatives, Post 2514 keeps the POW/MIA cause alive, fostering awareness and patriotism in New Bern. For more information on participating or upcoming events, contact the Post today.