Walton High School Navy JROTC Military Ball
Recently I was asked to be the photographer for the JROTC Military Ball for WHS and I would like to share one of the ceremonies that the students performed during this event. It was a salute to the POW/MIA's and I found it very moving and it really made me think about how much in life that I take for granted. I do not personally have any family member's that are severing our country but I do have a few family friends that are serving. Over the years I have had numerous family members serve and fight for our country in the various wars but have been so very fortunate and God Blessed that I have never lost one. I know of numerous families that have lost many of it's members to War. The poem below is what I have been told is a standard version that many of the Armed forces use during this presentation and everyone puts their own spin on it. This is not exactly word for word as the students performed it that night, but I hope you get the point and remember all those who have fought and died to protect this country.
REMEMBER
We call your attention to this small table, which occupies a place of dignity and honor near the head table.
It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks. They are referred to as POW's and MIA's. We call them comrades.
They are unable to be with their loved ones and families tonight, so we join together to pay our humble tribute to them, and bear witness to their continued absence.
This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.
The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.
The single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood they many have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America.
This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.
The red ribbon - tied so prominently on the vase represents the love of our country that inspired them to answer the nation's call.
This same ribbon is worn on the lapel or breast or as a red bracelet worn on wrists of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting for the missing.
A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.
The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.
The glass is inverted - they cannot toast with us this night.
The chair is empty - they are not here.
The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation.
Let us pray to the supreme commander that all of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks.
Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices. May god forever watch over them and protect them and their families.
I will be sharing more from this event latter in the week. I hope that this post has touched you hearts as much as it touched mine.
Thank you to the WHS JROTC for choosing me as your photographer for your event.
Until next time.
GOD BLESS,
Tina
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to shoot Lacey's bridal portraits but she asked me not to post them until after her wedding and everyone has been patiently waiting. Ben and Lacey were married this past Saturday on Panama City Beach and I will be posting shots from there wedding a soon. So finally here are a few of my favorites from Lacey's bridal shoot. I hope you all enjoy them.
