JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Quietly sitting in the middle of the bustling restaurant, Mission BBQ, is a tribute honoring the prisoners of war and missing comrades.
The tribute is a small table draped with a white tablecloth. On it includes a single rose, an empty plate and an empty glass. What stands out though is the empty seat with the official POW flag draped over it.
"It evokes a lot of emotion when [veterans] come into the restaurant," said Denise Neff, the manager at the St. Johns Town Center location. "It really tugs on the heartstrings for a lot of people."
The table is a tradition within the United States that dates back all the way to the end of the Vietnam War. It is common among military events, military balls and chow halls.
At all Mission BBQ locations, the table is set a few days during the year, including on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The other days include National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day, Flag Day, National Korean War Veterans Day, Veterans Day and POW/MIA Day.
"It's something that moves a lot of people ... especially the Vietnam veterans," Neff said. "The Vietnam veterans are the ones who had the worst homecoming that there was out there. We get a lot more comments from the Vietnam veterans because they feel like they were so forgotten."
Everything at the table symbolizes a bigger meaning, dedicated in memory of the brothers and sisters in arms. According to the official blog of the U.S. Navy:
The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms.
The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us.
The table itself is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.
The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God.
The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. A Purple Heart medal can be pinned to the napkin.
The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.
The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for.
The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate.
The salt upon the bread plate represent the tears of their families.
"It's such a great thing we are able to do," Neff said.