Sunday, September 1, 2013

Tribute Paid to POW/MIA's at Sesquicentennial

A tribute was paid to POW and MIA's Sunday morning at the Grant City Sesquicentennial at the Pool Park. Following the event, Putter's sold treats followed by a free swim and activities throughout the day. The event was sponsored by the Grant City Legion and Grant City VFW.

Mayor Debbie Roach gave a brief welcome. J.W. Harding introduced Marvin Harper, District Commander of the American Legion, who performed the ceremony. The table was set for one with an empty chair, to symbolize the fact that the person was not present. The ceremony was designed to show the pain of deprivation and the bitterness of personal sacrifice. The table was small, to illustrate the frailty of prisoners. The white tablecloth symbolized the purity of their intentions to protect their country. The rose symbolized the families and loved ones. The candle symbolized their unconquerable spirit. The lemon symbolized their bitter fate while the salt symbolized the tears of friends and family. The glass was inverted, meaning that the person cannot perform toasts.

Harper closed the gathering with a prayer.

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