Memorial Day -- a day off from school and possibly work that's filled with grilling, drinking, and patriotic colors. Many Americans see Memorial Day as an opportunity to kick back and relax because hey, they deserve it. They work so hard all the time, don't they deserve a break? That's what Memorial Day is for, right?

Wrong.

The true meaning of Memorial Day can be found in many different ways. It can be found down the street, in a grocery store, or even overseas. Alas, for the true meaning of Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have died serving our country, those currently serving and the veterans who have served.

You may wonder why I even bring this up? Why state the obvious? If you're a civilized human being you should be aware as to why Americans celebrate Memorial Day, to honor those who have served and are currently serving our country.

So, let me explain why I bring this up. We as a country have forgotten the true meaning of sacrifice and hard work. We feel as if we're entitled and don't like to work for things. People wonder why they're broke but refuse to find a job; kids complain about their bad grades but never study; people want to be treated with respect but are never respectful towards others. I could go on and on. But because of this mindset, when we do see someone who is sacrificing themselves, we take it for granted. Many brave men and women have paid the ultimate price for our country by dying in the line of duty. Their life was cut short so that we could be free, but how do we repay them? By slandering each other? By shooting at one another whenever a conflict arises? By vandalizing things? By using racial and derogatory words?

Do you get my point?

It's like we've all forgotten about these brave men and women and the ultimate sacrifice they made for us all. Have you ever been to a military graveyard? I have. I was honored to visit Normandy Beach back in 2014 with some classmates. There, we visited the graves of Iowa natives who died on D-Day during World War II. On D-Day, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, and attacked the Nazis. As I stood on the beach, I couldn't wrap my brain around the idea that these young men had walked to their death. They stepped off the boat knowing that there was a strong possibility that they wouldn't make it out alive, and they were right. Thousands were killed, some men hadn't even made it out of the water before they were shot. But that didn't stop them. These brave young men were so determined to fight for our country's freedom that they kept trudging on. Their persistence and chivalry is why the Allied forces were able to win that decisive battle.

So, let me cut to the chase. There should be no reason that we don't properly honor our veterans and active service members on Memorial Day, and every day for that matter. If the D-Day example is good enough proof for you, just look up World War I, the Vietnam War, Iraq war, etc, and then tell me if these brave men and women don't deserve respect.

So while you're hanging out with friends, taking a walk or watching movies from the comfort of your own home remember that someone gave up their life so you could do these things. Remember that the men and women who serve our country are moms, dads, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, sons, and daughters. Remember that they are leaving everyone they love so that you can be free. And please don't forget those we have lost because of war. Don't take their sacrifice for granted.

So I challenge you thank a veteran or current armed service member the next time you encounter them. You don't have to say much. Just a thank you will do, it's the least we can do for someone who risked it all so that we could be free.