Those who sacrificed their lives honored in South Lake Tahoe Memorial Day ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The snow and rain turned to sunshine as over 100 people honored those who died for their country during the annual American Legion Post 795 Memorial Day ceremony at Happy Homestead Cemetery in South Lake Tahoe.

Knowing people are "Tahoe Tough" the Legion decided to keep their plans on having the event outdoors, and their prayers were answered when the sun came through and shone on the attendees, speakers, and singers.

Gold Star Mom Patti Smith was in attendance with her family. It has been 11 years since her son, Army Sgt. Timothy M. Smith of South Lake Tahoe, died while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 25-year-old. Sgt. Smith died on April 7, 2008 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

Speakers included Dr. Lawrence Foster (Korean War Veteran), El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel, SLT Mayor Brooke Laine and Legion officers.

Legion Chaplain Curt Emrie reminded the gathered crowd in closing that we "experience freedom in a country that is free," something not everyone can say.

The Ladies Auxiliary and other volunteers placed flags on the 560 gravesites of veterans buried at Happy Homestead. They also provided a reception back at the Legion hall for the public.

The Legion had their ceremonial POW-MIA table. There are 98,000 soldiers still listed as missing from WWII, 5,900 from the Korean War, 700 from Vietnam as well as some missing in recent conflicts.

The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of our prisoners of war and missing comrades has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War. The manner in which this table is decorated is full of special symbols to help us remember our brothers and sisters in arms.

The POW/MIA table is smaller than the others, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors. This table is separate from the others and can be set for one to four place settings to represent each service participating in the event.

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 itself 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. A Purple Heart medal can be pinned to the napkin.

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.

The significance of the POW/MIA table is to remind us that the strength of those who fight for our country often times rests in the traditions that are upheld today.