This is the traditional empty chair and lone table draped in black set at the mess night for fallen Marines who are unable to attend the mess. The single lighted candle represents the flame of eternal life. The Purple Heart Medal reflects the shedding of blood and the ebb of life in battle. The identification tags are blank but could bear the name of any Marine present. The inverted dinner setting represents the fallen Marines breaking bread with the mess in spirit only.
Official U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Gallagher
