Allie's Cafe salutes veterans with America's White Table display

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Allie's Cafe in Mishawaka honored veterans today by placing America’s White Table in their lobby.

It is a small table covered with simple items to symbolize a soldier's sacrifice.There is a lemon slice to show a captive soldier's bitter fate, and grains of salt to show the tears of families waiting for their loved ones to return.

The empty chair is for missing soldiers who are not here. Other symbols include a black napkin, an overturned glass, a white candle, and a red rose.

Some people are not familiar with the table and its meaning, but veterans say it is an important tribute.

"That represents some who didn't come home, to me. They are the heroes," said WWII veteran Bob Good.

The white table tribute has been around for years, but recently it became popular due to a children's book to teach kids about veterans and the sacrifices they make to protect our freedoms.