Unfortunately, a holiday with the purest intentions has turned into something different over the years. On a day that's supposed to be spent appreciating those who have given their lives for our country, Memorial Day is instead spent getting drunk, BBQ-ing, and forgetting what exactly we have Monday off for. Now, there is no wrong way to celebrate. Like any other weekend over the summer, the beach is always a great go-to for weekend fun, and what adult doesn't enjoy a good beer every now and then? But I do think we need to take the time--even just a couple minutes out of the weekend--to reflect on the people who made this country free, and what they have sacrificed in order to give us a reason to lie on the beach and forget our responsibilities.

Besides being grateful, another great way to spend the weekend is being with the people we love, whether that be friends or family. There really isn't a better way to spend our time off than with the people who understand us and make us happy, especially when the purpose of the holiday is to commemorate those who can't spend time with their loved ones anymore. The beach and friends and BBQ's are an awesome reason to look forward to the holiday and are definitely some of the reasons I love Memorial Day Weekend, too. It's also a great excuse to don American Flag apparel before the Fourth of July and celebrate our country in the warm sun. It also marks the start of summer, which everyone can look forward to.

So this MDW I hope you see the people you love and cherish the moments you have with them in the land of the free and home of the brave.