Memorial Day…Memories and Summer Kick-off

This weekend in the United States is a big holiday that began as, and remains at its core, a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.

As one who served 7 years in the US Marines, I understand this need to remember those who came before us and those who presently serve.

However over time, this weekend has morphed into the weekend that marks the beginning of summer – never mind that the summer solstice is still 3 weeks away. Swimming pools open, beach and lake resorts are crowded, parties and feasts happen everywhere.

There will be grills aflame across this country of ours, searing and grilling all manner of vegetable and animal. There will arguments about what beverage to drink with the grilled offering. Can you really drink wine with grilled burgers? Yes.

Some will argue about whether grilling and barbecuing are the same thing – they are not. Grilling is short duration cooking done directly over the coals with medium to high heat. Barbecuing is long duration cooking done indirectly, coals off to the side and not right under the food, using low to medium heat. Barbecuing, more often than grilling, involves rubs, marinades, brine and sauces.

Still others will have good-natured disagreements about which type of fuel to use when grilling or barbecuing, gas or charcoal. In fact both have advantages and disadvantages. This argument breaks down further into whether one should use chemical briquettes or natural hardwood charcoal. Again, arguments can be made for both with much success. Generally briquettes burn longer and more evenly making them ideal for barbecuing. The natural hard wood chunks are great for hot grilling but suffer some problems with even heat over the long term. The chemicals in inexpensive, widely available briquettes give people pause on using them regularly. There are now briquettes made from natural wood, bound together with non-chemical binders, which perform equally as well.

I often wonder what Sunday and Monday look like from high altitude with all these flames and smoke pouring into the skies. The infrared imaging must make it look like the whole country is on fire. For a couple of days, there truly is global warming or at least national warming.

I am not so cynical to think you can’t have a rousing party or cookout and not also celebrate the memory of great men and women in our armed forces. In fact, while you are eating that overly charred burger, sausage, chicken or steak, remember there are people right now on duty who can’t enjoy this simple freedom even as they provide for it.

Raise a glass to those who serve and protect, then pass the burgers and coleslaw! Semper Fi’
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