A Veteran's Journey

Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11

I’ve always tried to honor Veterans Day, even as a kid. My dad fought in WWII, and he took time for remembrance and taught me the importance and respect for veterans. I felt I needed to, too. After I served in the Navy, it was equally important … but as I’ve grown older, it means more to me each year.

Several years ago, I started attending an annual get together of veterans at a local cemetery. Both Vietnam veterans and Vietnam-era veterans (like me) gather for a quiet ceremony to honor several high school classmates who were killed in the Vietnam War. It’s a somber experience, but an important tradition to continue to remember our fallen comrades.

This year will be especially special – I’ve begun writing a book about the 48 men from Alachua County, Florida (my home) who died while in service during the Vietnam War. I plan to publish it (The ‘Nam “AC-48”) by Memorial Day 2026.

I’ve been extremely fortunate to have not only a Navy background (me) but also an Army background. My dad, A.Z. Adkins, Jr., served with the 80th Infantry Division in Europe during WWII. My father-in-law, Dr. Rufus K. Broadaway, served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Europe during WWII. I’ve written several blogs about them both.

I also know many of you have fathers and grandfathers (and now, sons and daughters) who serve. All are true veterans.

“Missing Man” Table

A lot of people see the “Missing Man” display, but may not realize that every element on the table has significant meaning.

Veterans Day—not to be confused with Memorial Day—is a federal holiday for honoring military veterans of the US Armed Forces.

Many restaurants provide discounts to veterans on this day. Many of these restaurants also display what has become known as the “Missing Man” Table. You may have noticed this in the past; you may notice it this year. For this proud United States Navy Veteran, this tradition symbolizes what I feel… inside.

The Missing Man Table is also known as the Fallen Comrade Table. It is a ceremony and a memorial in honor of the fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service members. This table serves as a focal point of remembrance, originally growing out of the US concern for Vietnam War POW/MIAs.

The tradition varies among venues—sometimes there’s a single chair, representing all who are missing. Sometimes the table is set for six: the empty chairs represent Americans who were or are missing from each of the services—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard—and civilians, all with us in spirit.

The Missing Man Table comprises many symbols:

• The table is round, showing our everlasting concern for our missing men and women;
• A white cloth is draped across the table, symbolizing the purity of their response when answering the call to serve;
• The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their families and loved ones who keep the faith, all the while awaiting their return;
• The yellow ribbon symbolizes our continuing uncertainty, the hope for their return, and our determination to account for them;
• A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of their bitter suffering, captured and missing in a foreign land;
• The grains of salt on the bread plate symbolize the countless fallen tears of our missing and their families;
• The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return and illuminates their way home to the open arms of a grateful Nation;
• The Bible represents the strength gained through faith, to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one Nation under God;
• The wine glass is inverted, reminding us they cannot share a toast with us today;
• The empty chair depicts an unknown face… the “missing man.”

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United States veterans reside all over the world.

If you know one, take a moment to thank him or her for their service. If you see one—wearing a T-shirt, a ball cap, or a decal on their vehicle, take a moment to thank him or her for their service. It doesn’t take much, but it means a lot to us veterans.

Lately, when someone thanks me for my service, my response has been, “It was my honor.”

NEVER FORGET

Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran (’73-77) and the author of several books (www.azadkinsiii.com), many of which are free downloads (PDF, eBook format). He is currently retired and lives in Gainesville, Florida with his wife and life-long soulmate, Becky.