At present, the security of America is not a certainty, we must never relax our efforts in being prepared for the forces that may threaten our democracy. Working with your local officials in Civil Preparedness, crime prevention, donations to the USO, purchasing U.S. Savings Bonds, assisting victims of natural disasters and awareness of our POW/MIA issues is all part of this program.
Purpose: The purpose of the National Security Committee is to promote a strong national defense. Standing Rule #7, Core National Standing Committees
Key Program Statements:
- Raise awareness of POW/MIAs and the work being performed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in the search for missing personnel.
- The ALA National Security program maintains and promotes a strong national defense by strengthening and supporting military servicemembers and their families.
- Support all military families by working with their command group and family readiness groups.
- Support and enhance Legion Family and partner initiatives that strive to improve the Quality of Life (QoL) of our servicemembers and their families.
Department Chairman: Patricia Rama
Email: nyalanationalsec@gmail.com
2025-2026 Information and Report Forms:
- Dept. Nomination form
- National Security- SALUTE TO SERVICE MEMBERS AWARD NOMINATION FORM (LINK TO NATIONAL WEBSITE)
Important Dates:
- Year-end reports — May 15: Department chairmen reports due via email to division chairmen with a copy to national chairman.
- Department and Unit Award Nomination Form Completed and Submitted: June 1.
- Salute to Servicemembers Award Deadline: June 1.
- How to Train for FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Teams
- How to Collaborate with the American Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces
- How to Collaborate with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
- Planning a Powerful POW/MIA Remembrance Service
- How to Collaborate with the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse eMentor Program
- How to eMentor Women Veterans and Military Spouses with the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation
There are various table settings, but all reflect a solemn remembrance of those who have never returned. The U.S. Department of Defense has a toolkit for National POW/MIA Recognition Day that includes the Missing Man Table. This example is a table for six with a chair and hat for each branch of the service: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard — and civilians. https://www.dpaa.mil/Portals/85/2019%20Toolkit.PDF
The National League of POW/MIA Families site also refers to this table setting. https://www.pow-miafamilies.org/
The setting is referred to most often as the “White Table Ceremony” or “America’s White Table.”
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any way, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” —Gen. George Washington
AMERICA’S WHITE TABLE
The table honors the men and women who served in America’s Armed Forces.
The table is round — to show our everlasting devotion and concern for our fallen and missing comrades.
The cloth is white — symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life, and the blood that was shed, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith and await answers.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, a symbol of our commitment, and continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon on the plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
The salt is to remind us of the tears endured by those missing and their families who still seek answers.
The black napkin is a reminder of the isolation, deprivation, and cruel fate of our missing.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.
The glass is inverted — to symbolize their inability to share this evening with us.
The chair is empty and tilted — they are not here — and will remain so until they return or are accounted for.
“You are not forgotten so long as there is one left in whom your memory remains.”
Community Emergency Readiness Training