Rhonda’s Remembrance: The White Table

Had you wandered into A Taste of Thyme Nov. 11, you would have encountered one of the special passions of owner Rhonda Boram: the keeping of a tradition powered by an incredible true tale. Centered against the first wall stood The White Table, a table Rhonda has carefully set on each Armistice Day and each Memorial Day for the past six years. It invites curiosity and deeply humbles with its remarkable story.

There are many chapters to the tale of the table. First we meet a man named Larry, who traveled to Horseshoe Bay with his wife Joan. Joan briefly waitressed at a Taste of Thyme, and then urged Larry to also be of help. He began as a dishwasher but soon segued into the role of Rhonda’s fine assistant sous chef, gloriously at home by the stove. When Rhonda’s dad Ron came to visit, it turned out both men were Retired Naval Chiefs. When Lee, a third Horseshoe Bay friend and also a Retired Naval Chief came on the scene, the three became a kitchen team to behold. All loved to gather in Rhonda’s restaurant kitchen, spending many a rowdy hour cooking, clattering, concocting.

Their vision was for the new restaurant to become a navy haven, with a great military insignia on the wall. Rhonda, however, prevailed, keeping her own style and the décor of the trained chef she was. Then Lee found a way to preserve a military presence. He brought Rhonda a beautiful small book called The White Table.

Rhonda read the poignant story and, loving her three ex-naval chiefs, she determined to begin the tradition little known in the civilian world but in practice for over 30 years across military communities – The White Table. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit, set in remembrance of POWS and those Killed in Action for our country.

The next part of this tale is about from whence The White Table came. It was during the Vietnam War, an unpopular conflict. Dismayed soldiers found an unfriendly homeland when they returned. Their sacrifice was neither honored nor appreciated. Some new symbols of caring did emerge, however – the yellow ribbon, the POW bracelets we wore, the POW flag – and The White Table.

A group of pilots known as The River Rats set the first POW/KIA remembrance table. The pilots were from all service branches. During the terrible days of that war, on dangerous missions and bereft of public support, the pilots pledged to take care of their own and to hold reunions when they returned home. It was at the first reunion that the first White Table was set by the River Rats.

Rhonda’s book from Lee explains the table. An illustrated fictional story, it is about a little eleven year old named Katie. As her family readies for a great feast ahead, Katie’s mother begins to first prepare The White Table. Katie learns its origin, its meaning. She learns her Uncle John’s own story, how he was a war prisoner, and how a time came when a prison break was possible. But to leave his buddy Mike behind, alone, would be to abandon the friend from whose wounds prevented him moving. This John could not do. The others left, and John remained with Mike. A second chance to escape presented itself, and John was able to carry Mike out to where an infantry unit could help them. Sadly, Mike’s wounds were so serious he died just before the rescue helicopters came. Katie learns why the table means so much to her uncle and why her mother always sets it.

The white cloth that covers the small table honors the soldier’s pure heart as he answers his country’s call to service. An empty chair leaning against the tableside suggests the missing soldier. A white candle burns signifying the fear soldiers come to know; a red rose tied with scarlet ribbons symbolize the sorrow of captivity; a turned over glass signifies the meal that will not be eaten. On the plate are a lemon slice and a grain of salt, showing a captive soldier’s bitter fate and the tears of waiting families. A black napkin suggests the sorrow of captivity. A placard proclaims:

RESERVED

The placard Rhonda places was designed by her dad, its borders naming the USA, USAF, USN, USMC, USCG, USMM. The book stands at the back, its pages open to invite the sharing of its story.

George Washington once declared, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war … should be directly proportional as to how they perceive the earlier veterans were treated and appreciated by their nation.” This clear and dramatic truth prevails through all our wars and struggles. The soldier doesn’t declare the war, he only serves – a gift we must cherish.

Rhonda Boram chooses to honor all those lost to our nation. It is a permanent tradition at A Taste of Thyme. You are invited to consider embracing the tradition on your own home, allowing your family the holy privilege of setting The White Table – for once you witness it, you will not be the same.

This article was written by author and log time friend of Rhonda Boram