This browser does not support the Video element.
MILWAUKEE -- Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember those who have served for the freedom Americans enjoy every day, but for many, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer. That means firing up the grill and spending time with family and friends. A special picnic was held Monday, May 28th for Milwaukee's homeless, for whom food and family can be tough to come by.
Milwaukee's Repairers of the Breach homeless shelter organized Monday's picnic -- giving hundreds of people the opportunity to eat and celebrate Memorial Day, even though they don't have a place to call home.
"It makes me feel wonderful. It's a blessing," Charles Casey, who attended the picnic, said.
"It gives the homeless in the community a chance to get together and have a fun time, other than focusing on the traumatic events they go through from day to day," picnic attendee David White said.
This is the 17th year Repairers of the Breach has hosted a Memorial Day Picnic for the homeless. This organization serves as a day time resource center for those in need.
"When you're homeless, you're broken, and people are treating you bad, but we don't do that here," Repairers of the Breach volunteer Reginald Griffin said.
Although Memorial Day is meant to pay respect to our fallen soldiers, many veterans used the day to give back and volunteer at the picnic.
"It's learning it's not all about me -- it's about other people who are struggling, and I'm just trying to be helpful," Veteran Victor Rood said.
"They were here praying and they were here supporting us, so we have to give back to those who give to us and we know that they support us and we support them," Veteran Sylvester Rogers said.
By serving our country and serving those in need, the veterans have touched many lives.
"I think it gives me a chance, having no family, showing what the Breach is to me. They are my family," White said.
Having that family by their side was a great way for many to spend their Memorial Day.