Missing Man Table Set in the Heart of Downtown Gig Harbor

     Memorial Day weekend is a great chance for families to get away for the weekend before the summer starts. Barbecue and fun in the sun are common themes across the country.

     But what is Memorial Day really about?

     For Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard’s Hospitality Manager, Danielle Taylor, it is a time to reflect on those who have served in our nation’s armed forces and not made it home.

     “My father, grandfather and son were all in the Navy. I lost my grandfather, and I have lost friends in combat,” Taylor said in a somber tone. “And my son is still deployed.”

     This year, Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard has put up a Missing Man Table display by the Trolley in the heart of Downtown Gig Harbor.

     “We wanted to take the opportunity to rally the community together to create the “Gig Harbor Family” atmosphere by focusing on what this weekend is truly about,” Taylor said.

     The table settings and symbolism are from militarychapel.org and are as follows:

          “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 yellow 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 day’s toast.

          The chair is empty — they are missing.”

     The display is in the seating area of the big red Trolley at the boatyard, run in the summer months by JW Restaurant.

     “Being next to the iconic trolley, and in an area with a lot of foot traffic, we hope that this display will reach more people and hopefully leave more of an impression because of its location,” Taylor said.

     Partial owner of JW Restaurant, Jamie Lindsey is proud to have the display in the seating area in front of the popular food truck, and hopes it helps people reflect.

     “TheMissing Man Table is an opportunity for us to stop our busy lives and look at this table and reflect on those who are no longer with us, and even strangers who have fought for our freedom,” Lindsey said.

     “We hope to engage people and make them think beyond “Where are we going camping?” and “Who’s running the barbecue?” this weekend.”

     Taylor expects an increase in foot traffic along the Gig Harbor waterfront this weekend.

      “Skansie park is almost done and the sidewalk is clear for foot traffic, so if you want to come down and check out the display, the weather this weekend will be great and it won’t be super congested,” she said. “We would love to see you there.”