WAYNE COUNTY – On Friday, November 11, 2022, the American Legion Post #92 held their annual Veterans Day dinner. For those in attendance, it was a wonderful evening. Music was provided by the Fremont River Rats (aka Rough Around the Edges) from 6 to 7p.m. The event was emceed by Thomas Taylor of Loa, who explained why Veterans Day is held on November 11th.
“It’s held on this day to signify the end of World War 1, which ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month,” said Taylor. “This day was first know as Armistice Day. On June 1, 1954, November 11th become a day to honor American veterans of all wars.”
Taylor also went on to explain the reasoning for the “Missing Man Table,” which is sometimes referred to as the “Fallen Comrade Table.”
“This table represents those fallen, missing, or imprisoned U.S. Military Service Members who are with us in spirit tonight,” said Taylor.
The table is set for one, and is small, symbolizing those who have not returned from war, but who have not been forgotten; the table is round to show our everlasting concern for our missing soldier; the tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when they answered the call of duty; the single red rose is a reminder of their lives; A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing on foreign soil; a pinch of salt symbolizes the tears shed by all; the Bible represents the strength gained through faith and our country which was founded as “One Nation Under God;” the glass is inverted to symbolize the inability to share a toast with us; the candle represents the light of hope, which lives in our hearts and to help illuminate a way home; and the chair sits empty.
Dinner was prepared and served by Lane, Helen and Jason Jones. The meal was a Dutch oven delight. Veterans feasted on chicken, pork, roast beef, salad, sourdough bread, several side dishes and cobbler.
Stu Baker, Legion Commander, stated, “It was a great night. Good music, great food and a good turn-out.” If there are any veterans who would like to join the American Legion Post #92, contact Stu Baker. For those spouses, children, grandchildren or any relative of a veteran who would like to join the American Legion Auxiliary Post #92, contact Lisa Jeppson.