Small round table Symbolizes the fragility of a prisoner alone against their oppressors, or the solitude of one who has fallen.
- White tablecloth Represents the purity of their intentions in answering the call to serve.
- Single place setting (plate, glass, silverware) Reminds us that one of our comrades is missing from our ranks.
- Empty chair (often pushed in or tilted against the table) The chair is empty — the comrade is not here.
- Inverted (upside-down) glass The fallen or missing comrade cannot toast with us this night.
- Plate with a slice of lemon and a pinch of salt
- Lemon: the bitter fate of those who did not return or remain captive.
- Salt: the tears of the families who wait and grieve.
- Single red rose in a vase (often tied with a red ribbon)
- Rose: the blood shed in sacrifice.
- Red ribbon: the love of country and continued determination to account for the missing.
- Lit candle Represents the light of hope — hope that they will return, or that their spirit lives on.
- Bible (or other religious book) (optional in some versions) Symbolizes faith and strength drawn from spiritual belief.
- Black napkin or cloth (sometimes draped over the chair or on the table) Represents the darkness of captivity or mourning.
- The table is set for one Even though many have fallen or remain missing, this single setting represents all of them collectively.