#davesdailychallenge (118): Earn It. However you chose to recognize the importance of the national holiday called Memorial Day, I hope it meant something to you. It doesn’t matter if it involved a solemn trip to a service member’s grave or a booze soaked hot dog and freedom fest in your backyard. Truthfully, it’s ok if you confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day in my book. Your thoughts are in the right place so thank you. I always smile a little when people get angry over people enjoying BBQ’s, beers, and bratwurst instead of recognizing the more somber meaning of the day. I know for damn sure that the dozens of Marine brothers I knew that gave their lives for their fellow Marines and their Country would have been partying harder than anyone else in the bright summer sun. Let’s take the opportunity to create some connection between each other instead of the separation we see so much of. I can’t imagine that we honor our way of life and those that died to create it by telling each other off. Nothing I, or any combat vet, could ever say will successfully communicate what Memorial Day means to us and that’s ok. I’ll leave you with one simple thought: ask yourself the question “do I feel differently today than I did yesterday?”. In the end, I have come to one very important, yet utterly simple, conclusion. We honor our dead by earning the life they have defended. If your actions in whatever arena you are engaged in, be it political, familial, professional, etc…, would not earn the respect of those you care about then fix yourself. You’re an adult and you’re capable of change. Whatever you do…have fun and earn it.