A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
Last night, my unit had its annual Holiday Ball. I haven’t been to a formal Army ball in a long time and looked forward to the opportunity to don my Dress Blues and admire the heroes that surrounded me. But, what most impresses me about military balls is a ceremony we call the Fallen Comrade Ceremony. It happens at every ball without fail. Now, more than ever, that table signifies something personal to me. For those that aren’t familiar with the ceremony, I want to tell you about it.
At each ball, a table is set up and placed either near the official party or in a place of honor where everyone can see it. A description of the table is given during the part of the program where toasts are made to the services, our Commander In Chief, and other important entities.
The table is set for just one, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. The table cloth is always white to symbolize the purity of the Soldier’s intent in answering his country’s call to duty. The rose is reminiscent of a Soldier’s loved ones, friends, and fellow troops left behind.
There is a slice of lemon on the plate to symbolize the bitter fate of our fallen brothers and sisters. Salt is added to remind us of the tears shed by his family. The glass (behind the red candle) is turned upside down. He cannot toast with us any longer. The chair is empty and leaned against the table to remind us he is not here. The helmet and boots signify the uniform he wore defending his country to the very end.
After the end of the description of the table a toast is proposed in honor of our fallen brothers and sisters. But, this time, we do not drink.
Here is a picture of me from Friday night at our unit ball.
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Donna
CJ,
Thanks for that description of the table. That is an honor indeed to the ones who have fallen. God Bless them all!!
You look very handsome in your dress blues with all of your medals and stripes etc. Emily is very proud of you I’m sure as all of us are! Thank You for your service as well as all the other troops !!
MissBirdlegs
I love that tradition. Good pic, Sgt!! You look very formidable! I don’t think I’d sass you too much.
Hope y’all enjoyed the ball.
Miss Ladybug
And for those of you that would like to share and teach about this tradition to children, I highly recommend the book America’s White Table
Isaac
Great description and good signs to mark a hero. I am sure this tradition will remain for a long time.
Sharon From NY
CJ- once again you remind us to keep sacred the memory of those who have given all to protect us. You look FINE in that dress uniform, by the way- but in dress uniform or BDUs – you do us proud every single day and we appreciate your work in keeping us safe and Emily and the kid’s role, too. Thanks to all of you ( I haven’t said that in awhile…).
CJ
Thanks to all for the comments. I won’t every forget our fallen or injured. I wear that black bracelet on my right wrist 24 hours a day to remind me what the stakes are. The bracelet reads “Honor The Fallen”. It’s something I try to do every opportunity I get.
Marcus
Looks like you’re wearing Marine pants! You know, the blue ones with the red blood stripe. Guess I haven’t paid attention to Army dress uniforms before. . .
Marcus
Just noticed your stripe is gold and not red, but close enough!
yankeemom
Thanks for sharing about this tradition. I’ve seen it done quite a few times and there’s rarely a dry eye in the house as it is conducted. so many fine Soldiers and Marines, Airmen and Sailors remembered so fondly by the Vets.
Dang, CJ! You wear the Blues mighty fine, Sir!
Beth* A.
Yankeemom said it, ‘mighty fine’. I’d never heard the details of this tradition before, so thank you for filling me and others in on a way to honor the highest sacrifice.
Karridine
Serving in 1964-68 ‘Peacetime’ Korea, and our intelligence-gathering peak claimed yet another life as Neal plunged over the edge…
So I say, “A lot of thoughtful consideration has gone into the Memorial Table…”
Thank you, now and always… for Neal and ALL the others who fight for freedom…
tee
I have been designated to prepare the Fallen Soldiers Table at my Battalion Ball it was a blessing to read your letter when I did. I hope that I can present a table that all will be proud of.
Thank you for your description and brief summary of the Fallen Soldier Table. You have helped me more than you will ever know.
Judy Biggers
Thank you so much for sharing this table and knowledge with all of us. We are hosting a Mid-Ark Regional Quartet Convention Feb. 27-28, 2009 in Arkansas and focusing our theme around ll Chronicles 7:14 and our “Beloved Soldiers.” Honoring those living- but also now we can HONOR those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for FREEDOM! I view our Fallen Soldiers as a picture of what Christ is for His chilren—”No greater love hath man than to lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. You represent Courage ,Strength and Freedom in your photo and I Thank You for your commitment and service in my place. God Bless You, Judy Biggers Springfield, AR.
Angelia
Last fall I went to my first military ball. No one warned me about the Fallen Comrade table. I had just lost my son a few months before so it was very emotional for me. it was beautifully done and I was comforted by the knowledge that our military never forgets the price.. but then how could they. Sunday Night we will gather for my son’s 21st birthday. He will not be there of course. It will be an Irish wake of sorts. My son hated tears and would much rather we celebrated his life than mourn his death. I will set a place for him.. with lemon, salt and a glass turned over… and for my Pokey.. a Bud Light..unopened. I stumbled on this blog looking for the proper way to set the table. Since I not only respect CJ, the author, very much.. I thought I would share my story. Angelia aka Knottie
Brad
CJ,
Just finding this now (3/5/11). I’m always awed by our men in uniform–by the way they defend our freedom, as well as honor their fallen. Thanks for serving our nation. Your sacrifice, and that of your family, will never be forgotten.