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Fallen soldiers honored at Mall of America

Fallen soldiers were honored at a ceremony Friday at Mall of America -- a place that brings back memories for one family who lost their son.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - At the Mall of America, you can sip coffee at a table, read a book at a table -- even buy a table.

But you will not find a Mall of America Table, more revered.

On Friday morning, families of Minnesota's fallen soldiers gathered 'round a table set with love and symbols in the mega mall's rotunda.

These are among the symbols traditionally featured at a missing soldier table:

Tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.

Single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood that many have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.

The red ribbon (yellow ribbon for Air Force ceremonies) represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.

Slice of lemon on the bread plate: Represents the bitter fate of the missing.

Salt sprinkled on the bread plate: Symbolic of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.

Inverted glass represents the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

Lit candle reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation.

Empty chair: The missing and fallen aren’t present.

The mall itself is symbolic for the loss suffered by Wayne and Gwen Olsen. Their son, Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Olson, worked as a teen just feet away at the amusement park at Mall of America.

"I would drop him off and pick him up, before he was driving, before he had his own car, right here at this rotunda," Wayne said.

Now Daniel is buried within sight of the mall at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

As Memorial Day weekend has many people thinking about sales or time at the cabin, Daniel's parents are making just one simple request.

"If they can participate, or take a moment, just somehow to really remember, really honor, really consider, the sacrifices made," Gwen said.

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