VFW Auxiliary - Department of Ohio

09/18/2026

09/16/2026

09/16/2026

This Friday, September 18th, 2026, is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Around the U.S., many observances will have one table set apart from the rest. It’s small, dignified, and set for someone who isn't there.

It's called the Missing Man Table, and every object on it carries deliberate meaning:
The table itself is small, representing the frailty of one prisoner standing alone against his captors. A white tablecloth speaks to the purity of that person's intentions in answering the call to serve. A single red rose, often tied with a yellow or red ribbon, honors the blood that may have been shed — and the families who still bear witness, demanding their return. A slice of lemon and a scattering of salt on the bread plate mark a bitter fate and the tears of those left waiting. The glass sits inverted, since the missing cannot share in a toast. A Bible represents the faith that sustains those still hoping. The black napkin represents the plain truth that what became of them remains unknown. And an empty chair reserved for the missing.

The POW/MIA flag placed at this table exists as a reminder that more than 1,565 Americans remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam War alone and reflects only one conflict, among several, of which families are still waiting for answers.
Learn more about the Missing Man Table and its history at the link in our bio.

09/10/2026

Our 112th birthday is one week from today, September 14, and we would love to celebrate it with you!

What is your favorite memory, moment or milestone as a VFW Auxiliary member? We would love to share these throughout the day next Monday. There are three ways to share: in a comment on this post, as a direct message on Facebook/Instagram or in the body of an email sent to [email protected] with the subject line Birthday. If you would like to include a photo, please do so as an attachment; we are not able to click on links.

The deadline for submissions 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 10. We reserve the right to edit for clarity or length.

Thank you! We look forward to sharing your stories.

09/10/2026

On Friday it will have been 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, so this week's Wisdom Wednesday words were spoken by Sandy Dahl, late widow of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl: "If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate."

This year and every year, our hearts and thoughts are with all those lost on that terrible day, with those who survived, those who have since passed away as the result of attack-related illnesses and with their loved ones.