A couple's devotion keeps POW's and MIA's memories alive
By BOB OTTO
Fontana Herald News
Staff Writer
For 11 years Ed and Arlene Barton having been setting a table for one.
Ed and Arlene serve as hosts of the POW / MIA Remembrance Table that occupies a place of honor at many American Legion's and veteran's functions.
"We've been doing this since 1997," said Arlene. "We go wherever we are invited and whomever asks us."
The retired couple travels throughout California bearing the costs to bring to light the plight of prisoners of war and those still missing in action.
This past week their POW / MIA Remembrance Table has been prominently displayed at the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall at Miller Park in Fontana, California.
"We don't ask for anything," said Ed. "And we (attend) at least six ceremonies a year."
Ed retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 24 years of service. He served one tour in Vietnam from1969 to 1970. He now serves as San Bernardino American Legion Post 777 Chaplain and the District Chaplain.
Through his service years and in his return to civilian life, Ed never forgot the plight of our service men and women still missing in action, and those who were held prisoners of war.
"We call them comrades," said Ed as he spoke during the POW / MIA Ceremony and Remembrance Service held during the Vietnam Moving Wall Dedication Ceremony on Saturday.
"They are unable to be with their loved ones and families today," said Ed, "so we join together to pay our humble tribute to them and to bear witness to their continued absence."
The Barton's POW / MIA table was made by Al Boiles, Commander of American Legion Post 777, said Ed. The small, round table is beautiful and poignant in its simplicity. A plain white tablecloth covers its top. A vase with a single red rose is placed in front of a white plate - a plate with but a slice of lemon on it. The lemon serves as a reminder of the bitter fate of our nation's POW's and MIA's.
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A red ribbon is tied around the vase.
"The ribbon represents the red ribbons worn on the lapels of thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our comrades who are not among us today," said Ed during the ceremony.
Salt is sprinkled on the plate. It symbolizes the tears shed by families as they wait the return of their loved ones. A candle represents the light of hope to illuminate their journey home, away from their captors, and into the open arms of a grateful nation, read Ed.
But most prominent is the empty white chair with a black cloth draped over the backrest. On the cloth, white lettering spells out POW / MIA above a silhouette of a bowed head within a white circle. It is a sad and emotionally moving display. A display not easily forgotten.
"The chair is empty, they are not here," said Ed during the ceremony, "let us remember and never forget their sacrifice."
As visitors gathered around the display, many staring silently through moist eyes, some talking in hushed voices, Ed said that he and Arlene are proud to carry on the POW's and MIA's memories.
"I was just fortunate to come home from the war in one piece," said Ed.
(The Barton's welcome requests to attend functions honoring our veterans and POW's / MIA's. Call Ed and Arlene Barton at (909) 882-5901 to learn more.)
2008 Fontana Herald News