It Was Just a Little White Table

Courtesy Amazon.com

It was just a little white table...So the book goes.  America's White Table by Margot Theis Raven increases readers' awareness of the sacrifices soldiers made, and continue to make, with a beautiful remembrance for them. A small table is set to show one soldier's battle against many.  An empty chair represents the soldier who isn't there.  It is covered with a white cloth to honor a soldier's pure heart when he answers his country's call to duty.  A lemon slice is placed on a plate along with grains of salt to show a captive soldier's bitter fate and the tears of the family waiting for loved ones to return. A black napkin is placed near the plate to symbolize the sorrow of captivity and a turned over glass represents a meal that will not be eaten.  A white candle is placed on the table for peace and a red rose is set in hopes of the missing returning someday.
Typically, I read the book to my class and I set up the table for them.  Throughout the day, they add a message for a Veteran.  In the past, students have shared stories of Veterans in their own families.  Last year, Sophie was so inspired by this book and lesson, she went home and set up a white table at her own house and taught her family about America's White Table, and they listened, even though they already knew about it.  You see, Sophie's family has a strong military background and this touched her family's hearts.  I thought of this often and knew this year, I wanted to invite Sophie back to Room 14 to set up the table for my students.  She willingly came and students sat in awe as a third grade student set up America's White Table before their eyes while explaining what each item symbolized. She ended by placing a picture of her dad right on the table.  She's a proud daughter of a Marine.  And I'm quite sure she has some proud parents!
I'm hoping my new students are as inspired as Sophie was. I'm hoping they might be setting up a white table right now.  I'm hoping they don't see Veterans Day as a day off from school, but rather a day to honor all women and men who served or are serving in the Armed Forces.

The kids knew this wasn't a table to be touched. It's a tribute to all Veterans. Yes, the boy in green is saluting.