Madison American Legion Post & Auxiliary holds Military Child’s Table Setting ceremony

From left to right, Amy Washburn, Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39 Chaplain, and Rich Robinson, Post #39 Chaplain. (contributed photo)

Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Post #39 and Auxiliary Unit #39, in Madison, held a Military Child’s Table Setting Ceremony following the Installation of Officers. The ceremony was performed jointly by Post #39 Chaplin, Rich Robinson, and Unit #39 Chaplin, Amy Washburn.

April is designated as Month of the Military Child – a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experience of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas.

The ceremony includes: The potted flowering plant symbolizing that a military child by flower and flourish where they are planted; the hand spade recognized that they may be transplanted to a new place in the world at a moment’s notice; the birthday hat and unlit candles, along with the baseball and glove, and ballet slippers represent special occasion that are missed; the family photo depicting a child with his/her uniformed parent/parents demonstrates our country’s strength; the final touch to the table setting is the American flag to remind us that families are united in their commitment to national service, at home or away.