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Insights > Entergy Honors POW/MIA with Somber Remembrance of the ‘Empty Chair’
Entergy Honors POW/MIA with Somber Remembrance of the ‘Empty Chair’
09/25/2017
On Sept.15, Entergy employees created a ‘silent table’ display at the Echelon building in Jackson, Mississippi, as a way to remember the sacrifices Americans made to defend the United States.
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.
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.
On Sept. 15, Entergy employees crafted the ‘silent table’ as a way to remember the sacrifices Americans made to defend the nation. The display noted the following:
- The table, set for one, is small to symbolize the frailty of a prisoner against his/her oppressor.
- The table is round to show America’s everlasting concern for the many missing men and women.
- 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 soldiers cannot toast with us today.
- Lastly, the chair is empty because these soldiers are not here.
Entergy employs thousands 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 company implements programs and initiatives to promote an inclusive culture for them. Learn more about our commitment to being a military-friendly employer.
