The empty place setting at the table

In a country where less than one-half of 1% of people serve in our all-volunteer military, there is often a sense of isolation among military members and their families, as well as veterans and their families, that their service and sacrifice are forgotten because it is not omnipresent in our culture.

Merritt said that is the concern but noted the outpouring of emotion and support seen when 13 U.S. service members died in the chaotic and disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 served as a good reminder of the respect regular Americans have for the military.

“When I saw all of those small bars and restaurants and high school and college football games all honoring their passing by placing 13 place settings in their restaurants or 13 beers at the bar or 13 empty chairs on the sidelines of games, that was powerful,” he said.

Ryan Manion agreed, saying, “It reminded me of the good in people and the respect people have for our military members. I think where we are right now, a nation for the first time in what, 20, 21 years, not at war, right? I think it’s even more important now to continue to recognize these sacrifices that have been made over the last 21 years and before then.”