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This Thanksgiving, We Remember Our Heroes

This Thanksgiving, We Remember Our Heroes

A Time to Reflect on Sacrifice and Service

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us gather with loved ones to celebrate and give thanks. Yet, it’s also a time to remember those who, even during the holidays, stand watch to protect our safety and freedom, our military service members and First Responders. These brave men and women often spend holidays away from their families, driven by a commitment to protect and serve. For many, Thanksgiving is spent on duty, in distant places, or in the heart of communities, ensuring we can celebrate in peace and security.

Missing man Table

The Unique Sacrifice of Our Military and First Responders

For military members, Thanksgiving can mean deployment thousands of miles from home. For First Responders, it’s another day on the job, responding to emergencies and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods. These sacrifices are often unseen, but they’re deeply felt by the families who share their loved ones with the call to serve. Thanksgiving becomes more than just a holiday; it becomes a day that exemplifies their dedication and the true cost of service.

At Til Valhalla Project, we understand the profound impact of this service. We were founded on the mission to Honor the sacrifices of our Fallen military and First Responders, those who gave everything to protect our freedoms and keep our communities safe. For us, Thanksgiving is also a time to reflect on these Heroes and remember those who are no longer with us.

Missing Man Table

The Symbols of the Missing Man Table

The Missing Man Table is a solemn tribute to service members who are missing in action, prisoners of war, or have made the ultimate sacrifice. Each element on the table is carefully chosen to Honor their memory and symbolize the grief and respect we feel for their sacrifices.

  • The Table: Set for one, this small table symbolizes the loneliness of one who has been captured or lost in service to their country, away from friends and family.
  • The White Tablecloth: White represents the pure intentions of those who answered the call to serve.
  • A Single Red Rose: This red rose represents the blood shed in sacrifice and the everlasting remembrance of families and loved ones who wait for their return.
  • A Yellow Ribbon: Symbolizing the hope and resolve that the missing will one day come home.
  • An Empty Chair: Left vacant, the chair represents the absence of the service member and the void left in their families’ lives.
  • A Slice of Lemon: The lemon is a bitter reminder of the missing service member's fate and the hardships they endure.
  • Salt on a Plate: The scattered salt symbolizes the countless tears shed by families awaiting the return of their loved ones.
  • An Inverted Glass: The glass is turned upside down to signify that the missing person cannot partake in the meal.
  • A Lit Candle: The candle’s flame symbolizes hope and a light guiding them home.

This simple but powerful table is a reminder that our service members are never forgotten. The Missing Man Table is a tradition that speaks to our upmost respect for those who have served and sacrificed.

Missing Man Flag

A Grateful Nation Remembers

As we gather this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to think about the individuals who make it possible for us to celebrate freely. Whether it’s service members stationed overseas, firefighters on-call, police officers patrolling the streets, or paramedics ready to answer a call, they all deserve our gratitude. These Heroes are part of a legacy of service and sacrifice, a legacy we are committed to Honoring every single day.

We keep this legacy alive through our mission, from providing handcrafted memorial plaques to families of the Fallen to supporting initiatives for struggling Veterans. Every plaque we deliver is a reminder that we will never forget their sacrifice.

Join Us in Honoring Their Legacy

This Thanksgiving, we invite you to join us in Honoring these Heroes. Take a moment to reflect, share a word of thanks with a Veteran or First Responder in your life, and if inspired, learn more about our mission. By supporting Til Valhalla Project, you’re helping to keep the memory of our Fallen Heroes alive and supporting Veterans who continue to serve us all.

Thank you to all our military service members, Veterans, and First Responders. This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for you.