Maryland Restaurants' Missing Tables Honor Fallen Soldiers

MARYLAND — Dozens of Maryland restaurants will have “Missing Man” tables set in their dining rooms over Memorial Day weekend 2019 to honor military members who were killed or are still missing in action. The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of fallen and missing soldiers began with the end of the Vietnam War, according to the Restaurant Association of Maryland, which encourages its members to take part in the recognition.

As families and friends get together this holiday weekend, restaurants across Maryland will have Missing Man tables set up to remind their customers of those who were lost. These tables are also referred to as a MIA/POW table, Empty Table or Fallen Comrade Table. (See a list of some participating restaurants below.)

“Restaurants are the cornerstones of their communities. They often donate to numerous charitable causes and most offer discounts to military and other service members to thank them for what they do to protect us," said Marshall Weston, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland, in a news release. "The Missing Man table is just another way for restaurants to recognize and honor them, while also reminding customers of their sacrifice”

The Missing Man table is set as follows:

• The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country's call to arms.
• The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us.
• The table is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.
• The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God.
• The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends.
• The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation's call.
• The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for.
• The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate.
• The salt upon the bread plate represent the tears of their families.
• The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the evening.

“I ask all veterans who visit a restaurant this weekend and who see the empty table display to take a moment to express your gratitude and appreciation to the owner or manager for their support of our veterans,”said Todd E. Mitchell, director of Business Advocates for Veterans, in a press release.

Some of the restaurants that will set up Missing Man tables this weekend include:

Anne Arundel County

• Applebee’s – Annapolis
• Applebee’s – Crofton
• Blackwall Hitch - Annapolis
• Deep Creek Restaurant
• Frisco Tap House
• Park Tavern

Baltimore City

• Five & Dime Ale House
• Pratt Street Ale House
• Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop

Baltimore County

• Applebee’s – White Marsh
• Bluestone
• Full Moon Pub & Grill
• Ristorante Firenze Calvert County
• The Westlawn Inn Carroll County
• Applebee’s – Westminster
• Baugher’s Restaurant
• Buffalo Wild Wings – Westminster
• The County Cork Wine Pub
• E.W. Beck’sLedo Pizza - Westminster
• Maggie’s Restaurant
• O’Lordan’sRock
• Salt Grille

Cecil County

• Buck’s Restaurant

Frederick County

• Ledo Pizza – Route 26

Harford County

• Applebee’s – Aberdeen
• Applebee’s – Bel Air

Howard County

• AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
• Ale House
• BOLDER Food/Drink
• Frisco Tap House
• Hudson Coastal
• Kloby’s Smokehouse
• Ledo Pizza - Columbia
• The Turn House

Montgomery County

• The Manor at Silo Falls
• Seibel’s Restaurant & UpTown Pub

Prince George’s County

• Old Line Fine Wine, Spirits & Bistro
• Texas Ribs & BBQ

Queen Anne’s County

• Harris Crab House

Talbot County

• Applebee’s - Easton

Wicomico County

• Applebee’s – Salisbury
• Arby’s - Salisbury

Worcester County

• Applebee’s – Ocean City
• BJ’s on the Water
• Shenanigan’s Irish Pub & Grille