Pay The Price.

I became a United States Marine in 2014.
You may have your own views on the Marine Corps, the military, or America itself.
But regardless of how the political structure or certain people sway your views; there is a powerful message you learn from serving with the USMC.

They instilled in me a sense of pride that will never leave. They built a work-ethic that pushes me forward. And they gave me an understanding of what it takes to complete the mission.

I’m not one to be overly motivational and push ideas like “the warriors mentality.”
However, I do believe generally we’ve forgotten where and who we came from.

The Marine Corps is driven by tradition… at times it can seem like a bit much, I’ll agree.
Though, that’s exactly what maintains it’s ethos. They don’t forget the men and women that came before. They honor them in every way. And push themselves to be the best they can be.
Once a Marine, always a Marine. That’s a saying that lives on through generations. Because once you earn it, it’s yours.
With that said, there is a bit more to it… You’ve earned it, yes. Now you’re expected to live up to that title everyday.

I whole heartedly want people to live up to the best version of themselves. I know nobody is perfect, I surely am not, and neither is everyone who joins up.
I don’t expect perfect. Not in the gym, on the mat, or in life. That would be absurd.
But what the cliché I can expect and push out into my little corner of the world is:

Work really hard.

Because…
What a gift it is to be here. What a gift it is to feel struggle & pain. What a gift it is to use your body. What a gift it is to have the means to get up and work.
What a gift it is to be alive.

There are generations that came before you; that built what you have now.
They chose to do what was required.
The only way to actually progress, is to work for it.
I understand that there have been evil and unjust actions in the past. Unfortunately, we can’t erase those parts. But you can live up to those who worked hard and at times gave their life for what you enjoy now.

This article is my tribute to the 250th Birthday of Marine Corps.
The values of the USMC:
Honor.
Courage.
Commitment.

In a world that seems to lack these more and more, let’s be the ones to embody them.
Happy Birthday Marines.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of The Weekly Standard!

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