Braxton is the home of several veterans and many other supporters of veterans who attended the recent Memorial Day service held there on May 26.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
The Braxton Planners organized the event to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Breakfast was served to the veterans prior to the start of the ceremony in Mable Everett Park.
The attendees were welcomed by Braxton Planners treasurer and Army veteran Virginia Montgomery, who said that she was proud to be surrounded “by honor, integrity, and selflessness.”
Montgomery said, “We gathered here to honor the service men and women who gave their tomorrows for our today. Today we honor those who served honorably and pray for the protection of all service men and women around the world.”
Lost veterans were honored as the crowd sat silently and listened as the symbolism of the Missing Man Table was read and displayed in the park. Each item on the Missing Man Table represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home. The ceremony symbolizes the fact that they are present, here in spirit. Guests were urged never to forget the brave men and women who answered the nation’s call to serve and fought for freedom with honor.
Montgomery explained the symbolism of the Missing Man Table.
She said the table is round, to show everlasting concern for our missing men. The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve. The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith while seeking answers. The red ribbon symbolizes continued determination to account for the missing. A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate, captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty. The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return, alive or dead. The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God. The glass is inverted, symbolizing their inability to share a toast. The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table.
Bells were tolled for veterans who have passed away within the past year, and those who went before.
Patriot Guard Captain Roger Barrett gave an update on that group’s recent activity and said the group has completed several missions since last Memorial Day. The guard only participates in services at the request of the family.
Barrett said, “As long as there is a guard, no veteran will ever have to leave this world alone. We’ll be there for all veterans. We are only one phone call away.”
Before the ceremony closed, living veterans were recognized for their service, and hats were given to all veterans in attendance to commemorate the 2025 Memorial Day.
