War Memorial Beer Garden opens for the season with emotional Field of Flags as the backdrop

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Memorial Day is often honored as the unofficial kickoff to summer. On the lakefront, there's a clear and powerful reminder of what the holiday is all about. A total of 27,316 flags are on display at the seventh annual Field of Flags outside of the War Memorial Center. Each one represents the life of a Wisconsin soldier killed in the line of duty. 

Memorial Day also marks the opening of the War Memorial Beer Garden. Enjoy a brat, a pretzel and a beer on the lakefront and know that you're supporting veterans and their families. 

To date, the War Memorial Beer Garden has raised $350,000 for the War Memorial Center.