Posted on Apr 17, 2014

Is there an FM, AR, or DAM Pam covering the setup for a fallen comrade table?

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This is for personal information. I've seen different setups for the fallen comrade table. I would like to know what the proper set up is and if there is a reg, fm, or da pam that covers it. thanks everyone.

Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 2

SGT Ben Keen

Posted >1 y ago

There isn't a regulation that I found that covers the Fallen Soldier Table but here is a link to an online article telling you how to set one up.

How to Prepare a Fallen Soldier Table | eHow

A sad part of military etiquette is honoring service members who have fallen in the line of duty. Remembering them honors their sacrifice and that of their families. It also underscores the importance...

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CW2 (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

I found this online, I hope it helps.

The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing

men.

The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when

answering the call to duty.

The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of

the missing, and the[ir] loved ones and friends of these Americans who

keep the faith, awaiting answers.

The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination

to account for our missing.

A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of

those captured and missing in a foreign land.

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their

families who seek answers.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those

lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

The glass is inverted -- to symbolize their inability to share this evening's

[morning's/day's] toast.

The chairs are empty -- they are missing.

http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/pow_day/documents/missing_man_ceremony_instructions.pdf

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CSM Michael Salfai

>1 y

Well, all I can tell you Major is that I have set up tables and conducted ceremonies at numerous functions, both military and civilian - from Dining Outs to Memorial Day functions. I have been thanked for conducting such respectful, moving ceremonies and not one individual has commented on the fact that there is no Bible present. Since my retirement I have witnessed Fallen Comrade ceremonies at Fort Leonard Wood, Fort McCoy, and Fort Benning. None of these featured the Bible or any other "holy" book and none suffered from any slight of tradition. It should be noted that this "tradition" has a relatively short history in our military: there was no such ceremony when I joined the Army. As for General Washington, most historians doubt he was a Christian, and claim he was a Deist. "Biographer Barry Schwartz has stated that Washington's "practice of Christianity was limited and superficial, because he was not himself a Christian. In the enlightened tradition of his day, he was a devout Deist—just as many of the clergymen who knew him suspected". We have come a long way since the days when an NCO was advised to, "attend chapel services on a regular basis in order to provide a proper example to his Soldiers".

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SSgt Lynda Bloomberg

7 y

If you put that bible on the table, then you better have a Torah for me, and a Quran for the Muslims who were/are in our military and all the other holy books for all the other religions of others. Do yourself a favor and leave your religion out of it.

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SSgt Lynda Bloomberg

7 y

MAJ Scott Cameron - Our first Commander in Chief was a Deist. He was not Christian. The Bible has no place on that table. When you put it on that table you discriminate all those who are not Christian.

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CSM Michael Salfai

7 y

Exactly so.

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Is there an FM, AR, or DAM Pam covering the setup for a fallen comrade table?

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