The Missing Man Table, a symbolic ceremony and memorial for all those military Missing in Action or Prisoners of War, was presented solemnly and with an emotional and traditional ceremony at the recent Navy Ball held by the cadets at MAST the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook. Empty Seat
Cadets conducted the ceremony in the middle of the dance floor at Forsgate Farms Country Club in full dress uniform at the ball, which included a series of MAST NJROTC traditions.
Following the military ceremonies, cadets who wanted to change into more fashionable civilian dress left for clothes changes in private rooms at the Club before returning for the buffet dinner and dancing throughout the rest of the evening.
Following a formal Receiving Line welcome and social hour, the Class of 2025 marched into the ballroom to the applause of the student body and other guests. The students were received after passing under the Sword Bridge detailed by c/CDR Thomas Clark, c/LCDR Carter Braun, c/LT. Alexandra Preston, c/LT Ella Marin, c/ENS Vivian Moore, c/LT Olivia Palutis, c/MPO Charlotte McKeon, c/LT Gregory Elkanovich, c/LT Russell Karshmer and c/LT Robert Yurkus.
C/ENS Claire Swansson gave a series of safety remarks and reminder before Master of Ceremonies c/CPO Capricia DeStefano welcomed guests once again, thanked the Naval Ball, Assistant Master of Ceremonies c/PO2 Cassara Yannarelli, and the Committee who worked with her as chairpersons c/LTJG Vivian Moore, c/LT Karshmer and c/LT Sarah Flynn. DeStefano then called for attention to a single table in the middle of the dance floor.
The small round table was set as the focal point of the ceremony. Bare at the beginning of the presentation, the ceremony was completed when the table was set for one, symbolizing the isolation of the absent service member because of being missing in action or a prisoner of war.
Silence fell over the crowd of more than 300 students, guests and chaperones as the nine cadets, in full dress uniform, marched into the room and took their places facing the table.
As one of the senior cadets explained the significance of each action, each of eight other senior cadets marched to the table, placed their symbolic item on the table, stepped back, saluted the missing soldier, then marched back to the cadet row.
While each of the cadets was born after the Vietnam War, it was evident they felt the solemnity and thoughtfulness of the somber ritual and were happy and proud to bring the presentation to the crowd.
Seniors at MAST who participated in this year’s ceremony were Carter Braun of Atlantic Highlands, Vivian Moore and Russell Karshmer of Highlands, Thomas Clark, Little Silver, Battalion Personnel Officer Ella Marin, Union Beach, Sarah Flynn, Keansburg, Gregory Elkanovich of Millstone, Charlotte McKeon of Manasquan and Olivia Palutis of Ocean.
As the ceremony preceded before the hushed crowd, the students explain the table in the ceremony is round – to show everlasting concern for the missing guest; the cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.
A single red rose was placed, reminiscent of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers, the cadet explained. A yellow ribbon symbolizes continued uncertainty, hope for their return and determination to account for them.
A slice of lemon was placed to remind guests of the bitter fate of the missing men, captured or missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of the missing and their families and a lighted candle reflects hope for their return.
A Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain all present and those lost from a country founded as one Nation under God. The wine glass paced on the table was set inverted to symbolize the inability of the missing man to share a toast.
With the table set, the students, after having placed their gift, saluting the memory of the fallen, and returning to their seats, a chair was placed at the table, inverted and empty to remind all of the missing in action or prisoners of war that were all honored by MAST cadets but absent from their own annual celebration.
Other traditional ceremonies at the event include toasts to the Commander in Chief and all secretaries of each of the branches of service, more welcomes from MAST principal Earl Moore and a cake cutting ceremony celebrating the Navy Birthday on October 13, 1775, when the Continental Navy was created.
Cadets also praised and honored Commander Tracie Smith Yeoman, United States Navy (Ret), Senior Naval Science Instructor for the past 13 years at MAST. Commander Smith Yeoman retired last month, and students and faculty presented her with a number of gifts recognizing their appreciation for her excellence while heading the NJROTC program.
No replacement has been named for Commander Smith Yeoman to date, with the NJRTOC program under the leadership of Naval Science Instructors Senior Chief Michael Vaccarella, now acting senior naval science instructor, and Chief William Fetherman, the two naval science instructors who have worked with Smith-Yeomen during her tenure.
