By Jerry Bellune

and Mark Bellune

JerryBellune@yahoo.com

The table was set ... right behind home plate.
It was small and round covered with a white cloth, set with tableware, plates, a small American flag, a red rose in a vase, a candle in a white holder, an upturned wine stem and a chair with a black POW-MIA cover.
Behind it stood veterans of US military service, soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guard, some who gave more than 30 years of their lives.
Lexington American Legion Post 7 Commander David Griffith read the POW-MIA script over the public address system. Everyone in the Lexington County Blowfish ball park could hear his voice Friday night.
“Before we begin our festivities this evening, we will recognize our POWs and MIAs,” he said. “We call your attention to this small table, which occupies a place of honor. 
“It is set for one symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks.
“They are our comrades in arms ... unable to be with their loved ones and families tonight, so we join with them in this humble tribute.
“This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against an army of his suppressors. The single rose in the vase reminds us of the family and friends of our missing brothers who keep the faith while awaiting their return.
“Let us pray to the Supreme Commander that all of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks.
“Let us remember.”
The veterans grouped behind the table and on the pitchers mound raised their right hands in salute as the sound of Taps flowed across the grass infield.
Veterans Recognition Night at the Lexington County Stadium on Ballpark Road is an annual event arranged by former County Auditor Bob Caughman and Theo Bacot and Bill and Vicki Shanahan of the Blowfish baseball team.
David Griffith spent more than 28 years jumping with fellow airborne troops into danger, his last engagement in Desert Storm in Kuwait.
He remembered the many friends he made, “the ones who are gone and those who are still with us.”
Beside him stood Harold Riggs who served in the airborne in Vietnam. He remembered the comradeship of people from all over, of every faith and color.
Harlan Erickson served 21 years in the Coast Guard on both coasts, in the Caribbean and elsewhere abroad.
He recalled the sense of community that military service gives those who serve.
Ted Povewil spent more than 30 years in the airborne in Korea, Germany and Yugoslavia. He fondly remembered being chosen to serve in the Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington Cemetery.
“It was an honor” he said.
“It didn’t matter where you were from or how you looked. You did your job.
“It was a brotherhood.”