Memorial day... the day the majority get to have off of work.

How do you spend your day? Grilling out, boating, being with family is probably what the majority of you are doing. That's fine, honestly, that's probably what I'll be doing too.

But what many of us need to know is that the reason we have this day off, the reason we have the rights and freedom that we do, is because of all of the people who fought for us. The people that make this day matter.

I hope that not only today but every day, you remember this one quote, "Freedom Is Not Free."

I cannot stress that enough. Every time you post something critical on social media. Every time you bash on our current president. Every time that you choose to or not to vote.

To us, these may be seen as rights, but to other countries, they are seen as privileges.

You may think history is boring, that you don't need to learn about it, but it allows us to reflect upon our past mistakes. History should be a reminder to us all to be thankful for everything that we have right now. Especially the history of Memorial Day.

Going to DC my junior year of high school truly opened my eyes. Seeing the endless graves of fallen soldiers, graves of people that fought for our country, seeing the tomb of the unknown soldier.

These are reminders that your freedom did not come easy, and it was not free.

You may not believe in war, but it happened. People fought, many died, to keep us safe and to give us the privileges that we often take for granted today.

Just take some time to be thankful. Whether that is going to D.C., being respectful during the national anthem, or every time that you freely speak your mind you feel lucky.

Have fun today, enjoy being with family, and not working. Just remember the true meaning of Memorial day... And most importantly, never forget that your freedom is not free.