Missing Man Table honors military service at Mitchell Pizza Hut
May 25—MITCHELL — Inside the Mitchell Pizza Hut, a single table stands apart from the rest—not for dining, but for remembrance.
Known as a Missing Man Table or Fallen Comrade Table, the display honors U.S. military service members who are missing in action, held as prisoners of war, or who lost their lives in service. Set up for Memorial Day, the table invites reflection from anyone who walks through the restaurant's doors.
The display follows those traditions closely:
* A single place setting reflects the absence of the fallen.
* A white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of their intentions.
* A red rose honors their sacrifice and the loved ones who await them.
* A yellow ribbon represents hope for their return.
* A slice of lemon signifies the bitterness of their fate.
* A pinch of salt stands for the tears of those left behind.
* A lit candle symbolizes the enduring light of hope.
* A Bible reflects spiritual strength.
* An inverted glass shows they cannot partake in the meal.
* An empty chair is a powerful reminder of their absence.
Dick Anderson was a customer in the restaurant on Friday, May 23 who said the table had so many meanings from the lemon with salt on the plate to the upside down glass. According to Anderson, perhaps the most significant was the empty chair tilted to the table, signifying that the seat is waiting for someone to come home.
"It all signified something. It was a gentle reminder of the servicemen and women who have served their country. Some are still missing," Anderson said.
General Manager Kim Vilhauer said the idea had been on her mind for years after seeing images of the tribute online. This year, she decided to bring it to life.
"I've seen it shared around Memorial Day, and I've always thought it was a meaningful way to remind people what the holiday is truly about," she said.
The display also includes a hand-crafted wooden American flag, designed by Pizza Hut Area Director Kassidy Koenig, a U.S. Navy veteran. The flag's weathered finish, Vilhauer said, reflects the endurance and sacrifice of service members. A folded American flag from Vilhauer's father, Jim Ayers — a Navy veteran who served during the Korean War — is also part of the display. The flag was presented to her family at his funeral.
Vilhauer noted that the response from customers has been strong. Some pause silently at the table; others have shared personal stories of service or loss.
To offer a small token of remembrance, the restaurant has placed a bowl of green plastic army figurines near the table for guests to take home.
"Take one, keep it in your pocket, maybe it helps you remember someone or say thank you," Vilhauer said.
The Missing Man Table will remain on display through the end of May, while patriotic decorations will stay up through Independence Day. Vilhauer hopes the tribute not only encourages reflection, but also inspires other businesses to consider honoring the holiday in meaningful ways.
"Memorial Day isn't just about a three-day weekend," she said. "It's about remembering the people who gave everything."
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