Saving a place for the missing man

If Gege Abraham is invited to a dinner party, one can often expect she will be saving an extra spot without anyone physically being there.
Abraham saves a place for the missing man as part of a POW/MIA remembrance. It’s a ceremony that Abraham performs often in her role as Americanism chairperson for the Owatonna VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
On Thursday, Abraham brought her ceremony to the Exchange Club of Owatonna. While everyone enjoyed a noon meal, a finely decorated table sat silent in the front of the room.
“This helps us remember those who have given so much,” Abraham told the group. “This helps bring closure to families.”
During this particular day, Abraham touched at least one person in the group. Sharon Klein of Owatonna shared how her uncle was lost in World War II and is considered MIA.
Though no one is able to trace the history of the white POW/MIA table back to its beginning, it’s believed to have originated by the River Rats during the Vietnam War, Abraham said. Once the war was over it’s believed the tradition continued state-side as a commemorative to the fallen comrades as well as the men who were still missing in action, she said.
The tablecloth chosen is always white, which symbolizes the pure intention with which the comrades honored have served. The table is small with a setting for just one person, reflecting the vulnerability of one prisoner against his enemy.
A single rose in a vase sits on the table symbolizing the blood that has been shed. The rose also represents the families and loved ones that have been left behind and the faith they uphold that their loved on will one day return. The red ribbon around the case shows determination to account for the missing.
Also included with the table are a slice of lemon on a bread plate, the Bible, an inverted glass, a candle and a chair, which always remains empty to express their absence.
Abraham explained that a white table is generally set for most VFW functions, including meetings and dinners. “Just to remind us,” she said. “That’s the missing person who can’t be there.”
She wants people to understand “we lose a lot for our freedoms and that lives have been lost.” Abraham added, “There are still people missing and we should be looking for them.”
The VFW has been near and dear to Abraham for many years. “I literally grew up with this post,” she said, noting her father, James Novy, was wounded in Korea in the spring of 1951.
Among the many activities she does throughout the year Abraham coordinates the Opening Ceremony for the Steele County Free Fair in August.
“The VFW and Legion are not just bars,” Abraham stressed. “They give a lot of support for military personnel and veterans.”
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Abraham got a little reprieve from setting the white table during a Veterans program Sunday night at the VFW. A Boy Scouts troop from St. Mary’s School in Owatonna came to the program and put together the white table for those in attendance.