The Missing Man (POW/MIA) Table

This was a collaboration with the American Legion McHenry Post 491.

• Objective:

  • There goal was to bring attention to the Missing Man (POW/MIA) Table that they had set-up in the window. My job was to make the backdrop match the theme but also show what each piece represents.

• Challenges:

  • Understanding the importance of the project while still maintaining design features that look good. Making sure it was legible from the road, walking in, and once you are their.

• Tool:

  • We used Illustrator and Photoshop for Layout and design.

  • We used Roland Cut Studio to print and we used our large format printer to print and cut each panel by hand.

  • We then mounted the Jessup material to the wall.

  • We added stand offs to allow the plexiglass the text that tell everyone what each piece represents.

• Results:  We created a backdrop that included the 13 Colonies American Flag and POW/MIA flag. Then we added plexiglass with vinyl that allows everyone to see and read what each piece of the table represents. I didn't realize the importance of this project until I was done. I was finishing cleaning up around the area and putting everything back into place when each veteran in the legion stopped drinking and eating and walked up to me and shook my hand and thanked me for doing this project. Had it not been for this project I would have never know what the table was there for but what it means for all of our veterans and their families.

This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors and round symbolizing our never-ending burden. The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.

The single red rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith while awaiting their return.

The yellow ribbon on the vase represents the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand, with unyielding determination, a proper accounting of our comrades who are not among us tonight.

A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.

The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.

The glass is inverted. They cannot toast with us this night.

The chair is empty. They are not here.

The candle is a beacon, reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation. Let us pray to the supreme commander that all of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks.

Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices.

May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.