Canton kids recreate the ‘white table’ for veterans
By Guest
Last week at the Canton Public Library, a group of Canton children listened to Marsha Wright of the Canton/Dedham/Sharon Community Partnership for Children tell the story of America’s White Table by Margaret Theis Raven, after which they decorated their own white table to honor veterans on Veterans Day.
The white table originated during the Vietnam War as a symbol for and remembrance of service members held as prisoners of war or missing in action. Solitary and solemn, it is a table where no one ever sits. Today this table is set in honor of all the men and women who serve in America’s armed forces. Tables are set in dining halls of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force across the United States. We have set this table to help us remember and honor those who have served so that we may enjoy freedom!
Each item on the table has a special meaning:
* A small table symbolizes one soldier’s lonely battle against many.
* The white cloth honors a soldier’s pure heart when he answers his country’s call to duty.
* A lemon slice is placed on the plate to show a captive soldier’s bitter fate.
* Salt is sprinkled on the plate to symbolize the tears of families waiting for loved ones to return.
* HERO is traced into the salt to symbolize how we feel about each service member. This was traced into the salt by one of the children who has a cousin currently serving in Afghanistan.
* We push an empty chair to the table for the missing soldiers who are not here.
* A black napkin placed on the table symbolizes the sorrow of captivity.
* A glass is turned over for the meal that won’t be eaten.
* A white candle is placed on the table as a symbol for peace.
* A red rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon is a symbol of the hope that all our service people will return someday.
The Magic Carpet Book Club meets monthly at the Canton Public Library. Offered free of charge to students in grades 1-5, this program, run by the Canton/Dedham/Sharon chapter of Self Help Inc.: Coordinated Family & Community Engagement, takes children on a journey through different points of American history through books and projects. Children must sign up to participate in the book club at the Junior Room desk or by calling 781-821-5027.
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