America's White Table by Margo Theis Raven

Walk through the pages of a touching Veterans Day story.

The History of the White Table

As a symbol of missing and captive service members, the MIA/POW table originated during the time of the Vietnam War … out of those troubling times came new outward symbols of caring for our MIA and POW service members. Initiated by loving family members and concerned organizations, these outward symbols included: POW bracelets, yellow ribbons, a POW flag, and the MIA/POW Remembrance or Missing Man Table …

Following the Vietnam War, the tradition of the Remembrance Table then made its way into all military dining-in/dining out ceremonies (dinners where members of a command, unit, or other organization gather, including with spouses and guests).

At the ceremonies, a series of toasts are made before being seated to eat, with the last toast, “to remember until they come home,” reserved for (and always made with water) their comrades of the MIA/POW table …

In this book we salute these bravest of our brave with the POW flag motto:

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
SO LONG AS THERE IS ONE LEFT IN WHOM YOUR MEMORY REMAINS.

-Excerpts taken from Author’s Note “The History of the White Table”

 

Tempe's Escalante Family

The Escalante family originated from Sonora Mexico and has a long history of military service. Ramon, Manuel, and Enrique Escalante were three brothers born in Tempe in the late 1800's. Manuel and Ramon were veterans of World War I and served in Europe.

All three brothers had sons who participated in World War II. Two of Manuel's sons, George and Cipriano, were killed in action. Gabriel Escalante, son of Enrique, also died in the fighting. Two of Ramon's sons, Ramon R. and Henry, served on the Pacific front.

The city of Tempe named a park and community center in honor and remembrance of the three men killed in action.

Learn More

The White Table

Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony (National League of POW/MIA Families)

Local Military History

Veterans History Project: If you are an American war veteran, a civilian who was actively involved in supporting war efforts, or someone who is interested in preserving history, you can make a historic contribution by being a part of the Veterans History Project (VHP), which is archived by the Library of Congress. The Friends of the Tempe Public Library is the local administrative group for VHP in the East Valley.

Arizona Coalition for Military Families: The Arizona Coalition for Military Families is a public/private partnership focused on building Arizona’s capacity to care for and support all service members, veterans, their families and community. Tempe Public Library is proud to partner with ACMF on our Book Bike service. More information about the Tempe Book Bike can be found here.

*These links will be updated to fit the theme of each new StoryWalk®, so check back for changes!

 

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