There’s a Reason That One Table Remains Empty in a Packed Boise Restaurant
"All gave some, some gave all." Sound familiar? The famous quote is largely attributed to Korean War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Howard William Osterkamp, a U.S. Army infantryman. Now synonymous with Memorial Day, the phrase is a reference to our U.S. service members wounded, killed, and Missing in Action. Despite what many think, it isn't a nod to Veterans Day.
Then again, how many people know the difference between the two holidays?
The Difference Between Memorial Day & Veterans Day
Memorial Day, observed on May 29, is a federal holiday held in remembrance of our Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. These service men and women died while answering the call of duty in protection of the civil liberties Americans enjoy each day.
Veterans Day, however, has its own unique meaning. Celebrated on Nov. 11, Veterans Day is a federal holiday that honor Veterans from every branch of the United States Armed Forces. These service members served, or are still serving, during times of peace as well as war.
Unlike Veterans honored on Memorial Day, these Veterans returned home to their family and friends. In short, Memorial Day memorializes our fallen Veterans. Veterans Day celebrates all service members past and present.
The Missing Man Table
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reports "more than 81,500 American Veterans remain missing" from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars, the Global War Against Terror, and other conflicts. The Missing Man Table, also referred to as The Fallen Comrade Table, is intended to remind patrons to honor our fallen, imprisoned, and Missing in Action Veterans.
The gallery below reveals the symbolism behind each item on The Missing Man Table.
There's a Reason They Leave This Empty Table at Boise Restaurants
The Missing Man Table, also referred to as The Fallen Comrade Table, is intended to remind patrons to honor our fallen, imprisoned, and Missing in Action Veterans.
The table, as well as every item on it, carries a significant meaning. After you scroll through what each item means, check out the quick video at the end that demonstrates how the table is set.
Warhawk Air Museum's Memorial Day Flyover Flight Path 2023
If the weather is good on Monday, May 29 you'll see four WWII era fighter planes fly over these cemeteries, parks and medical facilities!
Idaho's WWII Bomber Crash Site You Have to Hike to Get to
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