Col. David Schiller (USAF-ret.) of Gloucester pays special tribute each Memorial Day to U.S. prisoners of war and those missing in action.
A decorated Vietnam veteran, Schiller creates a display on his lawn in the Patriot’s Walk subdivision featuring the POW/MIA table, also known as the missing man table, during the holiday weekend. This ceremonial table is set up “to honor our nation’s POWs and MIAs, signifying those who are missing but are not forgotten,” said Schiller.
He said that each detail of the table is steeped in symbolism and represents the many facets of sacrifice suffered by POWs, MIAs, their families, and the nation. The table is round to show that concern for those who suffered is never-ending, and slices of lemon signify their bitter fate. A single red rose is a reminder of their families and loved ones, and salt represents the tears of the families. The chair is empty to depict an unknown face.
These symbols and many others “serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrific...