Conrad American Legion Post 681 Commander Dan Shine was assisted by Dillon Jacobson, Everett Bernard, Boston Gunderson and Jeff Severding of Boy Scout Troop 107 and Olin Hupfeld of Cub Scout Pack 107 in presenting “America’s White Table” originally written by Margot Theis Raven.

This poem and exercise is used at many service events nationally to honor and remember those veterans missing in action or Prisoners of War and their families.

As Shine read, the scouts placed items on a small table that was center stage for the audience to observe.

“The table, set for one honors the men and women who served in America’s armed forces and are missing from our ranks. The white cloth symbolizes purity of their motives when answering the call of duty. A single plate is placed waiting to give strength and healing.

Diedra Green ( Girls State Representative) and Cole Scaffari (Boys State Representative) lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance

The glass is inverted to symbolize their inability to share this meal with us. A black napkin, for prisoners of war, is a reminder of the isolation, deprivation and cruel fate of our missing. The silverware shines bright in remembrance of a shining soldier gone to serve his or her country.

A single red rose reminds us of the life and the blood that was shed, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith and await their return. The vase is tied with a red ribbon, a symbol of our commitment, and continued determination to account for the missing.

A candle is set on the table to remind us that America is a light to the world of darkness. A slice of lemon is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. Salt is sprinkled to remind us of the tears endured by those missing and their families who still seek answers.

A small flag reminds us that America will not forget those who gave us freedom. A simple letter of thanks is laid for the sacrifices that soldier made. A Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost for our country, founded as one nation under God.

An empty chair is tilted as they are not here: and will remain so until they return or are accounted for.”

Students from the BCLUW Elementary School lead the audience in singing “America” during the Veteran’s Day program in Conrad.

Rev. Gerry Kahler gave the benediction, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girls State Representative Diedra Green and Boys State Representative Cole Scaffari. The high school mixed chorus under the direction of Michael Jahn sang “World Peace,” an original poem written by BCLUW student Jacob Geelhart that was put to music by Jason Lee. The high school band led by David Bartling shared several numbers, and the elementary students sang “America.”

American Legion members advanced and retired the colors.