Veterans Day service in Tehachapi

A short veterans Day ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 11 in Philip Marx Central Park. Sponsored by local American Legion Post 221, the ceremony will begin at 11:11 which commemorates the time of the signing of the Armistice which signified the end of World War I in 1918. The ceremony will consist of a short talk, flag raising, gun salute, benediction and taps. Members of the community are asked to bring their own chairs.

American Legion Post 221 and Auxiliary Unit 221 will be honoring all veterans and their spouses with a free spaghetti meal following the ceremony. The luncheon will be held at the veterans Memorial Building from 12 to 2 p.m. at 125 E. "F" St.

Keynote speaker at the spaghetti dinner will be Larry Thompson, Lt. Col., USMC (RET). There will also be a POW/MIA table ceremony.

POW/MIA Table

The table before you is a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.

This Table set for one is small - Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember!

The Tablecloth is white - Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember!

The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember!

The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember!

The Candle, the candle is lit - Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember!

A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember!

There is Salt upon the bread plate - Symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember!

The Glass is inverted - They cannot toast with us this night. Remember!

The Chair - The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember!

Remember! - All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!

Remember! - Until the day they come home, Remember!