OldTroubador's blog post - November

The month of November has two important holidays - Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and Veterans' or Rememberance Day. It is fitting that both holidays are celebrated in the same month, to remind us to give thanks to those who have chosen to serve, to protect the freedoms that we have. It is also a time to remember those who have given their lives in the protection of our countries and our freedoms.
My profile picture is of a Fallen Soldiers' Table. This memorial is usually presented at formal banquets. It is a way for those in the military to honor the sacrifices made by their comrades who cannot attend the banquet. The symbolism of each piece on the table is as follows:

THIS SMALL TABLE; SET FOR ONE, REPRESENTS THE FRAILTY OF LIFE FOR
EACH OF US. THE TABLE CLOTH IS BLACK AND WHITE.
THE WHITE REPRESENTS THE PURITY OF THEIR INTENTIONS TO SERVE.
THE BLACK REPRESENTS OUR MOURNING FOR OUR FALLEN COMRADES.
THE SINGLE ROSE & SINGLE CANDLE REMINDS US OF THE FAMILIES AND
LOVED ONES OF OUR COMRADES IN ARMS WHO KEEP THE FAITH, AWAITING
THEIR RETURN.
THE SWORD AND GLOVES REMIND US AND ARE SYMBOLIC OF OUR
PROFESSION OF ARMS
A SLICE OF LEMON IS ON THE BREAD PLATE TO REMIND US OF THEIR BITTER
FATE.
SALT SPILLED UPON THE PLATE, SYMBOLIC OF THE FAMILIES’ TEARS AS
THEY WAIT FOR WORD.
AN INVERTED WINE GLASS REPRESENTS THE TOAST OUR FALLEN
COMRADES CANNOT MAKE WITH US TONIGHT.
THE EMPTY CHAIR REMAINS VACANT FOR OUR COMRADES.
OUR HOPE TONIGHT IS THAT THEY WILL HEAR US AS WE TOAST THEIR
ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

A silent toast then, and a heartfelt Thank You, to all those who have served this country, and to those who have given their all in defense thereof.