A poignant part of most military balls and banquets is the Remembrance Table. The POW/MIA table reminds us of the strength of those who have fought for our country but are not able to celebrate with the rest of us. This installation is made entirely of paper (no wood or metal armature). First the table, chair and objects were cast with rice-paper. Then various components were covered with selected pages from three memoirs, including the “lace” tablecloth. Words were cut out and are missing, just as the POW/MIAs are missing from our families, lives and celebrations. This piece invites the viewer to look closely at the items on the table and ponder the great sacrifice of our fellow countrymen.
Three books completed this installation: The Forgotten Soldier, One Soldier’s Story and Captive.
Each component has symbolism: Round Table—our everlasting concern; White Cloth—the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve; Lemon Slice—their bitter fate, captured and missing in a foreign land; Salt—the tears of our missing and their families; Lighted Candle—our hope for their return, alive or dead; Inverted Glass—their inability to share a toast; Empty Chair—they are not here
Remember. Until the day they come home. Remember.
48 x 48 x 36 inches
This free-standing installation is available for purchase or loan.