Restaurants Across Maryland Honor Fallen and Missing Soldiers

Missing Man Table displayed at Maggie's Restaurant in Westminster, MD

This Memorial Day weekend, restaurants across the state of Maryland will have “Missing Man” tables set in their dining rooms to honor the American soldiers who have lost their lives or are still missing in action while serving their country.  These tables are also referred to as a MIA/POW table, Empty table or Fallen Comrade table.
 
The Missing Man table is a permanent place of honor found in military dining facilities that are also set up during service balls and other military dining occasions.  The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of fallen and missing soldiers has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War. The manner in which the table is decorated is full of special symbols to help us remember the sacrifice these men, women and their families have given to their country.
 
As families and friends get together this holiday weekend, restaurants across the state will have Missing Man tables set up to remind their customers of those we have lost.  The Restaurant Association of Maryland led the effort to educate restaurants on the meaning of the Missing Man table and encouraged their members to participate.  

​Marshall Weston, President & CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland, commented that “Restaurants are the cornerstones of their communities.  They often donate to numerous charitable causes and most offer discounts to military and other service members to thank them for what they do to protect us.  The Missing Man table is just another way for restaurants to recognize and honor them, while also reminding customers of their sacrifice”.
 
 
The Missing Man table is set as follows:
 
The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms.
 
The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us.
 
The table itself is round to show that our concern for them is never ending. 
 
The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God. 
 
The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends.
 
The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.
 
The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for.
 
The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate.
 
The salt upon the bread plate represent the tears of their families.
 
The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the evening.
 
 
“I ask all veterans who visit a restaurant next week and who see the empty table display to take a moment to express your gratitude and appreciation to the owner or manager for their support of our veterans.  I think they will see that supporting our veterans is also good for business”, stated Todd E Mitchell Major – MP Retired, Director Business Advocates for Veterans.
 
A small sampling of the restaurants who will set up Missing Man tables this weekend include:
 
Statewide Locations
Chick-Fil-A
 
Allegany County
Chat-n-Chew Restaurant

Anne Arundel County
The Big Fish Grille
Blackwall Hitch
Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs
Fat Boys Crab Shack
Frisco Tap House
Poncho n Pepes
Yellow Fin Steak & Fish House
 
Baltimore City
Di Pasquale's Italian Marketplace
M & S Grill
Matsuri Japanese Restaurant
The Rusty Scupper
Turp’s Sports Bar & Restaurant
Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop
XS Baltimore
 
Baltimore County
Bill Batemans Bistro - Reisterstown
Bluestone
Friendly Farm
​Hazelwood Inn
The Milton Inn
The Olde Philadelphia Inn
Ristorante Firenze
 
Calvert County
Anthony's Bar & Grill
​The Westlawn Inn
 
Carroll County
Applebee’s – Westminster
Artisan Wine Company
Baugher’s Restaurant
Birdie’s Cafe
Bob Evans - Westminster
Brick Ridge
Buffalo Wild Wings – Westminster
Conah’s Bar & Grille
The County Cork Wine Pub
EW Becks
​Ernie’s Place
Full Moon Pub & Grill
Greenmount Station
Johanssons Dining House
Maggie’s Restaurant
O’Lordan’s
Rafael’s Restaurant
RockSalt Grille
Ruby Tuesday – Westminster
TJ’s Corner Grill
 
Charles County
Red Oak Bistro
 
Frederick County
CarterQue
​Pistarro’s
 
Howard County
AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
BOLDER Food/Drink
Frisco Tap House
Hudson Coastal
The Kings Contrivance Restaurant
Kloby’s Smokehouse
Ledo Pizza - Columbia
Tino’s Italian Bistro

Montgomery County
Seibel's Restaurant & Uptown Pub
 
Prince George’s County
The Crab Deck at Red Sky Steak & Fish House
Old Line Fine Wine, Spirits & Bistro
 
Queen Anne’s County
Annie's Paramount Steak & Seafood House
Fisherman’s Crab Deck
Fisherman’s Inn
 
St. Mary’s County
Ye Olde Towne Café
 
Wicomico County
Arby’s - Salisbury
 
Worcester County
Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs
Phillips Crab House
Touch of Italy