Honoring Our Veterans 2021 And Now 2026
Today is Veteran’s Day. My dear friends and family, I wanted to go back into my archives and find a fitting Veterans Day post and I had many to choose from. but I was drawn to this one..in 2021….because it also represents the ones missing….the POWs/MIAs. Please forgive a repeat of that post with current updates. Did you know that there are still:…Approximately 81,000 American service members remain missing and unaccounted for from past conflicts dating back to World War II, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).
- World War II: Roughly 71,000 to 72,000+ service members.
- Korean War: Approximately 7,300 to 7,500 service members.
- Vietnam War: 1,565 individuals still unaccounted for (across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and China) according to the National League of POW/MIA Families.
- Cold War, Gulf Wars, and Other Conflicts: The remaining balance of the ~81,000 total. The DPAA continues global recovery and identification efforts, making a record 250 identifications in fiscal year 2026.
In 2021, I prepared a special table for these veterans…and yes like most Military events…there is a special protocol.
We honor our Veterans on this day and rightly so, as they have lived and died for our freedom.
We honor our Veterans from all walks of Military Service.
Our Twin boys both served in the Navy, just as their father and their grandfather and two Uncles.
Another of their Uncles served in the Air Force and was killed in action.
On my side of the family, My own father, grandfather and one Uncle served in the Army.
One Brother-in-law served in the Air Force and another Brother-in-law served in the Navy.
I have always been proud of all of their Military time.
I was fortunate, that all but one, returned home alive.
We honor them all on this Veteran’s Day.
“THE SOLDIER ABOVE ALL OTHERS PRAYS FOR PEACE. FOR IT IS THE SOLDIER WHO MUST SUFFER AND BEAR THE DEEPEST WOUNDS AND SCARS OF WAR.”
…..DOUGLAS MACARTHUR…..
But I also want to honor the other veterans.
Let’s not forget the POWs/MIAs.
The Missing.
The ones who didn’t make it home with a flag draped over their coffin.
The Missing Men and Women.
There is a special memorial for the Missing.
We would like this table setting to be in honor of them.
Like many other people, We don’t want them to be forgotten.
I have obtained a protocol (program for the ways) to honor our Missing and the suggested words are below.:
The Army, The Air Force, The Marines and The Navy are remembered at this particular table.
- “This table is reserved and is set-up to honor our missing comrades in arms.”
- “The table is round – to show our everlasting concern for our missing soldiers.”
- “The tablecloth/placemats is/are white – symbolizing their motives when answering the call to duty.”
- “The single red rose, displayed in a vase – reminds us of the life of each of the missing and their loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith awaiting answers.”
- “The vase is tied with a yellow ribbon – symbol for our continued determination to account for our missing.”
- “A slice of lemon – is to remind of us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.”
- “A pinch of salt – symbolize the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.”
- “The Bible – represents the strength gained through Faith to sustain those lost from our country founded as one nation under God.”
- “The lit candle – to symbolize a light of hope that lives in hearts to illuminate the missing’s way home.”
- “The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share a toast.”
- “The chair is empty – they are missing.”
“THE VETERANS OF OUR MILITARY SERVICES HAVE PUT THEIR LIIVES ON THE LINE TO PROTECT THE FREEDOMS THAT WE ENJOY. THEY HAVE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO THEIR COUNTRY AND DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR COMMITMENT.”
….JUDD GREGG….
“THE TRUE SOLDIER FIGHTS NOT BECAUSE HE HATES WHAT IS IN FRONT OF HIM, BUT BECAUSE HE LOVES WHAT IS BEHIND HIM.”
….G.K. CHESTERTON…..
A Soldier’s Prayer:
Dear Lord; please listen as I pray to you
and proudly defend the red, white and blue
I will always serve you and my country,
And be the best person that I can be.
Let us all raise a glass or cup on this day in a toast to honor America’s POWs/MIAs and to the success of our efforts to account for them.
Blessings to all the families and friends
And Blessings to all who have served in our Military Services. A big Thank you for your service.
Psalm 56:3,4
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose Word I praise-in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Oh Kari, that was such a beautiful and poignant message you’ve shared for today in honor of Veterans Day and those MIA and POW. You captivated me with all the lovely symbolism of each item. Thank you so very much for this.
Thank you Kitty….I do feel for those without closure. Our prayers are with those families. Have a beautiful week with your lovely family.🥰🍁💕
Kari, A very moving tribute to our veterans and missing soldiers. Thank you for the explanation of all the symbolism on your table and for honoring all those who have served.
Jan, The protocol was very specific and understandably so meaningful, I still get a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
On a happier note…how about those Jayhawks last night…So proud of them too. Rock Chalk
Thanks for stopping by.🥰
Hello Kari and a special thank you for sharing this patriotic table that represents those that are missing and never came home. How sad that families never had closure or could bury their loved ones. I had an uncle that was MIA during WW2. He was found and returned home. I pray that we never forget the sacrifice of
those who have served our country. Blessings, my friend!!
Thank you Pam…So glad your Uncle was found and returned home…I can’t imagine the families who do not have closure….the pain they must feel. I am not sure some of the younger people today completely understand, so I hope and pray our country doesn’t forget after our generation is gone…unless the Lord returns first. 🙏🏻 Hugs always
Kari, this a beautiful tribute to all veterans, and so touching your words and lovely table honoring those who are still missing. Thank you dear one 🇺🇸♥️
thank you Pam, we must never forget those who have fought for our freedom. thanks for stopping by my friend.
Hi Kari – What a wonderful tribute to our veterans. We owe so much to them. I love the table service display. Thank you for honoring our veterans and God Bless America!
thanks Lynda we do owe them a lot and must never forget them as we enjoy our freedom.
Oh, Kari, you made me cry. Yes, we must never forget our veterans and those missing in action. My husband and son were Air Force, but my favorite uncle was Army and in WWII. It was horrible for him and he never talked about it when he came home. He died at forty-eight, and I’m sure his days fighting in Germany contributed to his early death. There are so many suicides when these young men and women come home.
On the brighter side, Ron and I went to Hy Vee for breakfast today, and they served a wonderful veterans day breakfast. the people were so kind. It’s so nice when the appreciation is shown.
Your table setting is a wonderful tribute to our veterans.
thanks Sandy and we are all so grateful for all who have served our country. It is sad that they give up so much and are sometimes treated unfairly.
I remember the wonderful breakfasts at Hy Vee…we used to go there often. Thank Ron for his service. We appreciate him.
Hugs, luv ya
Kari
Beautiful tribute Kari… thank you so much!
thank you Nancy…we need to honor them all
Thank you Kari, such a wonderful way to honor all…prayers and thanks to all veterans today and every day.
Jenna
You are right Jenna; we honor them all….every day. thanks for stopping by
Yes. beautiful tribute! Thank you for the explanation of certain items.
You are welcome…we must never forget these missing soldiers.
Beautiful tribute Kari!! Thank you!
thank you Pam for stopping by. We must get together soon.
Hugs