Last night I went to the annual fire department banquet. This is the second year that the Fallen Firefighter Ceremony has been conducted. I find this ceremony to be very touching. Here is a picture of the table that is set.
The white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of the fallen firefighters intention to respond to their department’s every call.
The red rose is for those who made the ultimate sacrifice – they gave their life so others could live.
The white carnation is for those who witnessed and experienced tragedy and destruction firsthand, and are still with us today.
A slice of lemon on the place is to remind us of their bitter fate.
There is salt on the table to symbolize the tears shed by family and friends.
The glass is inverted — they cannot toast with us today.
The chair is empty—they are not here, and we do not want to forget them.
Reflections 