Entergy Honors POW/MIA with Somber Remembrance of the ‘Empty Chair’
A table set for one, draped in white cloth, sits outside a cafeteria at Entergy’s Echelon building in Jackson, Mississippi. As hundreds gaze in passing, questions swirl around the importance of this table, daintily set with a single rose.
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The POW/MIA movement recognizes the many men and women either captured as prisoners of war or missing in action. The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of these soldiers has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War.
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On Sept. 15, Entergy employees crafted the ‘silent table’ as a way to remember the sacrifices Americans made to defend the nation. The display notedÌýthe following:
- The table, set for one, is small to symbolize the frailty of a prisoner against his/her oppressor. Ìý
- The table isÌýround to show America’s everlasting concern for the many missing men and women. Ìý
- The tablecloth is white to symbolize the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s Call to Arms.
- The candle’s flame symbolizes eternal life for the unselfish courage and valor demonstrated in the fight for freedom and democracy.
- The single red rose, in a vase, reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades who keep the faith while awaiting answers.
- The vase is tied with a ribbon as a symbol of our continued determination to account for the missing.
- A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured or missing in a foreign land.
- There is salt upon the bread plate to symbolize the family’s tears.
- The glass is inverted because these soldiersÌýcannot toast with us today.
- Lastly, the chair is empty because these soldiers are not here.
Entergy employsÌýthousands of veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. These dedicated, disciplined and skilled employees provide a diverse perspective that is a strategic advantage for our business, and the companyÌýimplements programs and initiatives to promote an inclusive culture for them. Learn more about our commitment to being a military-friendly employer.
