Fallen heroes
The Missing Man Table
A small table set for one, for prisoners of war and those missing in action, and for the fallen who are not in the room. Posts and dining-ins explain the objects in their own words. The lists are not identical, and no single Department of Defense regulation sets the table. What follows is a short reading of the sources, not a script to recite.
- Small table. The frailty of one prisoner, alone. The American Legion and the National League of POW/MIA Families both describe it this way.
- White cloth. The purity of their intention to answer the country’s call.
- Single red rose. Blood that may have been shed, and the families and friends who keep faith while they wait.
- Ribbon on the vase. The Legion’s 2011 account says a yellow ribbon. The American Legion Auxiliary’s remembrance notes a red ribbon. Both stand for people who still ask for a full accounting.
- Slice of lemon. A bitter fate.
- Salt. The tears of families who wait.
- Inverted glass. They cannot join the toast.
- Empty chair. They are not here.
- Candle. A light of hope for a way home.
Some tables also include a Bible. The National League describes a black napkin for an unknown fate. Read the sources rather than treating one post’s script as the only version.
Sources, checked 10 November 2026: The American Legion, “The table set for one”, American Legion Auxiliary, POW/MIA remembrance, National League of POW/MIA Families, The Missing Man Table.
Taps
Taps is 24 notes, sounded by one bugler, without accompaniment. It is played at funerals, memorials, and wreath layings, and it is the last call of the evening on U.S. military bases. At a funeral the customary order is three rifle volleys, then Taps, then the folding and presentation of the flag. During Taps at a funeral, memorial, or wreath laying, people stand. Those not in uniform may place the right hand over the heart. Veterans and active-duty members who are not in uniform may salute. Evening Taps on a base does not call for a salute.
Bugle historian Jari Villanueva documents that protocol. This page does not play a recording and does not start sound on its own. A synthesized bugle would be a poor stand-in for a live bugler.
Sources, checked 10 November 2026: Protocol for Taps, History of the bugle, Taps (bugle call).
Leave a name in memory
Name, branch, and era only. No story, no unit, no place, no photo. A respectful name is public right away and can appear on the Wall of Honor under “In memory.” Use Report if one should come down.
Record a longer history
The Library of Congress Veterans History Project collects first-person accounts from veterans and people who served on the home front. This site does not store audio. Interview materials go to the Library, on their terms.
Reported names
Respectful names are already public. This list is only what someone reported. Joe names who can remove one.