From deployment to tailgating: Marine veteran reflects on true meaning of Memorial Day

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- All over Milwaukee on Monday, May 26, people remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As many enjoyed the day off grilling and going to a Milwaukee Brewers' game, it is important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Brewers fan and Marine veteran, Donnell Jackson, reflected on his service and those who lost their lives.

"I do have a tradition I usually get on Facebook and play taps and say, 'For our brothers and sisters,'" said Jackson.

While firing up the grill and cracking open cold ones, Jackson said many see it as a long weekend forgetting to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

"It's a day to come out and commemorate all our fallen brothers and sisters throughout all the wars that the U.S. has fought," Jackson explained.

Jackson served our nation from 1992 to 1997.

"I grew up pretty quick when I went in. I got to see the world a bit, went on a couple deployments," said Jackson.

He says while he was deployed in Italy and Japan, he lost some of the men he served with, losses that still weigh on him.

"We are here because of all the sacrifices of all these men and women so always remember those who came before," said Jackson.

To this day he stays closely connected with his fellow servicemen. Bound by a brotherhood forged in battle and strengthened by their unwavering support throughout the years.

"My ongoing friendship with everyone I served with, every time we see or talk with each other, we don't miss a step. It's a lifelong friendship and brotherhood," Jackson said. "Just a couple of months ago I hooked up with a couple of my brothers that live in Atlanta and remembered the guys that we lost while we were all there."

Jackson sees this day through a veteran's eyes he says there's a common mis phrasing about Memorial Day.

"There's also the phrase of 'Happy Memorial Day,' it's not really a day of happiness but a day of reflection and honoring those who fell," said Jackson.

Jackson says nothing will replace the comradery he found with his service brothers, but his tailgating crew has become part of his family. He says it was the perfect way to spend Memorial Day.