On Friday, November 3rd, the officers and members of Portland Elks #188 were honored to have assistance of the Honor Guard of VFW Post #10643 in Windham to formally dedicate the Lodge’s new Veteran’s Corner. This event was supported by many members of the Portland Lodge, many of whom are also Veterans.
VFW #10463 Honor Guard are; Craig Pride, Dave Rendall, Linwood Bailey, Keri Karsten, Roger Timmons and Post Commander Willie Goodman who is also a Portland Elk.
The new Veteran’s Corner includes the United States’ national ensign and the service flags of our armed forces in order of their Congressional establishment: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, displayed alongside the MIA/POW Missing Man table.
At the end of the dedication “Taps” were played by VFW member Linwood Bailey, and then the Lee Greenwood song God Bless the USA was played with all in attendance joining in.
The table is round, to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.
The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.
The single red rose; displayed in a vase, reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith while seeking answers.
The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate; captured and missing in a foreign land.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.
The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return, alive or dead.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.
The glass is inverted, symbolizing their inability to share a toast.
The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table.