The residents of LaurelHurst Retirement Community in Columbus recently held a Veterans Day program.
Everyone stood for the pledge to the American flag, followed by singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The LaurelHurst Singers performed many patriotic songs under the direction of Judy Sublett. Each branch of the armed forces was honored in song. The residents in the audience joined in the singing.
Residents were honored with certificates in honor and in memory of lost loved ones for the service provided by them to America.
A new tradition was started that will continue each Veterans Day and Memorial Day. A white table was set to represent those soldiers that are MIA (missing in action) or POW (prisoners of war). Residents heard a reading from the book “America’s White Table,” by Margot Theis Raven, which explained the symbolism of the white table. The white cloth honors soldiers’ hearts as they answer to the call of duty. Grains of salt and a lemon slice on the plate represent the tears shed as families wait for loved ones to return home. The black napkin is for the sorrow of captivity. A turned-over glass shows the meal that won’t be eaten.
The table also had a white candle for peace and a red rose for the hope that all missing will one day return. Tears were seen all throughout the audience as each object on the table was described in the reading.
After the program, residents reminisced of their time during the war. They swapped stories of joy and sadness. Many family members shared this event with their loved ones.
– article submitted by Heatherly McGarity