Every year ahead of Memorial Day, Chris “Doc” Howell carefully arranges a tribute table at the Lowe’s Direct Fulfillment Center in Pleasant View, Tennessee. A 21-year U.S. Army veteran and former combat medic, Doc doesn’t see the day as a celebration—it’s a solemn moment of reflection.
“It’s not necessarily a celebration,” he says. “It’s more like a remembrance.”
Throughout his four deployments, Doc earned the nickname he still proudly carries. And now, in his role as a senior operations manager at Lowe’s, he continues to honor his fallen comrades by setting up what’s known as a Missing Man or Fallen Soldier table. Each element of the display holds symbolic meaning:
What's on the Table and Why It Matters:
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Salt – Represents the tears shed by those who have lost someone
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Lemon wedge – A symbol of the bitterness of loss
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Inverted wine glass – Represents those who can no longer join the toast
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Red rose – Stands for love shared among service members
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Empty seat – Positioned forward to show the absence of the fallen
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Ribbons – Black for those lost; yellow for those deployed or currently serving
Doc invites fellow associates to contribute to the tribute, encouraging them to add names and photos of loved ones who’ve served. For him, it’s a personal mission to keep their memory alive.
“We sacrificed ourselves and our bodies because we love our country. We love the people that we’re serving.”
Memorial Day Across Lowe’s
Doc’s story reflects a broader effort happening in Lowe’s locations nationwide. On Memorial Day, stores across the U.S. will transform their Veteran Parking spots into memorial spaces—holding physical and symbolic space for remembrance.
From floral arrangements to signage and handwritten messages, these tributes create a visible way for associates and customers to honor the fallen.
Troutman, NC #2750
A Moment of Silence, A Company-Wide Tribute
To further commemorate the day, all Lowe’s stores will pause for a moment of silence—a unified gesture of respect for those who gave their lives in service to the country.
A Year-Round Commitment
Lowe’s is proud to be a certified Gold Military Friendly® Employer, recognizing its commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. That commitment is evident not only through hiring and programs but also in the everyday actions of associates like Doc—whose dedication helps bring the spirit of Memorial Day to life.
At Lowe’s, honoring those who’ve served isn’t just a one-day event—it’s part of the culture, values and a promise to remember.
