'It's more than just a day off': Reflecting on the significance of Memorial Day

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- While Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer with travel and spending time with family, one local veteran wants people to remember the importance of this holiday.

"I would like to have people think about why they have a day off of work.... why there's Memorial Day and Veterans Day," said Mike Malloy, a Vietnam Veteran.

Malloy says he hopes this holiday, people take the time to reflect on the true meaning of honoring our fallen heroes and the sacrifices they made. "Not just that they have a day off of work or a three-day weekend that goes with it, but to think about what that represents ...connect with that," he said.

The Field of Flags in Milwaukee's Veterans Park is a great way to make that connection. Nearly 30,000 flags planted each present a Wisconsin service member who has died. "It's certainly emotional. It's certainly something that inspires both of us.," said Les Hepler.

Les and his wife Lynn stopped by Saturday to visit the Field of Flags and for them, the reflection was personal.

"I served in the Air Force for 4 years and there are people here represented, friends of mine that didn't come back from the Vietnam War for example. I knew a lot of people in the service that dedicated their lives to our country," he said.

Memorial Day was born following the civil war and has been a federal holiday since 1971. "People in Wisconsin and everywhere have given their lives so that we can have the freedoms that we cherish," said Terri Walters.

The Field of Flags will remain planted through May 30.