Recently my family enjoyed a complimentary meal at the Ryan’s restaurant in Greeneville, TN. While we were there, we noticed the Table for the Missing Man. This symbolic table represents the hole in our hearts, the space reserved for those missing in action. Coming from a military family, I knew that there was always the possibility that the soldier wouldn’t come home. My step-father served overseas in several tours; although I was young and didn’t always recognize the dangers that he faced, I realized that he was making a huge sacrifice so that I could enjoy freedom. The Missing Man table is a beautiful tribute to those who were lost while they served, and shows that we are still waiting for them to come home. Every Monday, Ryan’s offers a military appreciation discount, but there was more in store!
While I took a few moments at The Missing Man Table, a server approached me and asked if I saw the Military Appreciation Room when I came in. What was waiting in the room was such a surprise. Outside, flags adorn the walls to show appreciation for service members. One of the Ryan’s employees, Mary, has devoted herself to this project. She took a few minutes to explain the inspiration for the Military Appreciation Room and shared some upcoming news. Her own father’s photo is featured on the veteran’s wall. She also showed me several photos of active military men and women. Mary said that in a few days, the Greeneville quilt guild will present a handmade quilt to one active service member. I stood in awe and gratitude as I looked at the photos in this room. Isn’t it so special?
Just outside of the room, one of the restaurant patrons was there with his family. He was a veteran from Elizabethton, TN. I didn’t ask his name, but enjoyed talking with him. Like many curious bystanders, he wondered what I was doing. He asked why I was taking pictures of the room, so I explained that I was there to take pictures for the Ryan’s Seafood Friday meal. and had wandered over to the Military Appreciation Room. I told him that I wanted to share it with my readers. He was very proud, asking me about my website (and you, dear readers!) and told me about local deals that he had found. He told me that they drove to Greeneville just to eat at Ryan’s. Although he didn’t mention it, I had the feeling that the Military Appreciation Room made an impression on him. After all, he was sitting right there for a reason!
Many thanks to the Ryan’s in Greeneville, TN for honoring our veterans!
I so commend that finally we are remembering the boys that did not come back, too many have been lost! My first fellow never came home from Vietnam.
My hubby was in Vietnam. He came home, all shot up. He was so bad the service logged him as died in action. His service record is all messed up! He cannot even get a disability from the service! He just says thanks a lot! He has fought it twice. It keeps saying he was not hurt, there was no record of it. He has bullet holes all over his body to prove it, he has PTSD, and wakes up most nights in terrors or in severe night sweats. Not one person did a thing for him when he returned. It wasn’t until the last three years anyone ever thanked him for his service.
Dee, I’m sorry that your husband was treated so badly when he returned. His sacrifice for our freedom is not forgotten!
We should always remember, respect and help our soldiers
Totally agree, Debbie.
It’s nice that a restaurant is so serious about honoring veterans. Thanks for sharing!
It really is nice! I love that they used their wall space for something so meaningful. Those photos told so many stories.
What a beautiful post. It actually made me get emotional. These men & women make the ultimate sacrifice for us and this is the most honorable memorial I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing this. My sons are career Army , with one being Special Forces. and I can’t imagine the worse case scenario. I’m going to share this post with my family. Thanks again.
Carol L
I’m grateful to your sons for their service — and to you, for your support of them!
Beautiful post and room! I didn’t know they did this, but I’m so glad that they do. Our military needs to be honored for who they are and all they’ve done. What a great way to show appreciation and for us all to step back and thank them.
Absolutely, Sherry!
It’s nice to see the boys who didn’t make it back honored. I love that they are making use of their walls for such a great purpose. These soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice and are too often forgotten.
Like Dee, my husband is a Vietnam vet. Our country was horrid to our vets when they returned and no wonder her husband struggles. It was a face to face was and many vets have held in severe PTSD for decades for lack of treatment availability much less recognition of their disability. My husband is fighting for his life, as Agent Orange gave him lung, brain and bladder cancers. He also has scars all over his legs from shrapnel. But he is thankful that he is here and God has continued to provide where our country did not. He is a true hero in my book and I call him my miracle man, as the doctors expected him to be dead over a year and a half ago. Thank you, Dee, for your sacrifice of your first husband, ad thanks for your husband’s service. I wish I could shake his hand!
I love business like this one who honor our brave soldiers. I think this is so important and I would like to see a lot more places doing it.
Good theme for a store and restaurant, really meaningful to remember those who lost their lives