Memorial day is upon us. It’s far more than Barbecues.

That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – Abraham Lincoln (Gettysburg address)

May 30, 1868 saw the first nationally recognized service. It was given the name Decoration day. May 30 was now officially a day for observance in the Northern states. But, southern states chose other dates. By 1890, May 30 became the universal date across the whole country.

Then came WWI. Up until that time, only the lives of civil war soldiers were memorialized. With the great losses of the world war, any veteran who lost his life in battle was to be remembered. The consequent battles of WWII, Korea, Viet Nam and the gulf wars have all been included in the observance. And, it now extends to all veterans.

Although each state had adopted decoration day as a holiday by 1890, it didn’t become an official federal holiday until 1968, when congress changed the name from decoration day to memorial day and moved the day from May 30 to the last Monday of May in order to give federal employees a 3 day weekend to kick-start the summer season. This was ratified in 1971.

Memorial day is upon us. Should it be a time of Joy or sorrow?

This is a tricky question. The answer is: both. The lives lost are a tragic horrible waste. The fact that people couldn’t work out their differences without resorting to violence is an abomination we should all shun. No matter what our differences are over anything, from ideology to land borders, there is no reason to hurt or kill people over any disagreement. Unfortunately, war has been a part of the history of the world, and, will continue to flourish despite its complete irrationality.

So, we should feel sorrow for the senseless slaughter. But, we should feel joy for what the loss of life means to us as freedom loving people. These men gave the “last full measure” to preserve the freedom for all to enjoy a life dedicated to the pursuit of happiness. So, we should have a period of solemn reverence for those who fell to protect our rights. Then, we should do what they wanted us to do: live a life of liberty. Just like our country, this day is full of opposing ideals. But, they live in concert with each other: sorrow and jubilation vacillating in a constant ebb and flo.

Our memorial day is not the only day dedicated to remembering veterans. We also have veterans day celebrated on November 11. That happens to be the same day dubbed Remembrance day by present and former members of the British empire. If you go to Canada, Australia, or any other of the commonwealth territories, you will see red poppies worn in solidarity with the fallen. The date comes from the official end of WWI. The treaty of Versailles went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1919.

Between moments of silence and remembrance, enjoy life with family and friends

The modern tradition of a memorial day barbecue may seem frivolous (given the gravity of the day). But, it marks the beginning of a better season. Spring is in full swing and the dog days of summer are right around the corner. Winter’s hold on the northern states is long gone. And, our activities and lives can resume in the open air instead of crammed inside. So, in a way, it represents re-claiming freedom.

Of course, it may seem ironic that we celebrate memorial day with southern barbecue, when it was the Northern states who won the civil war that spawned the observance of memorial day. But, maybe it’s something we can learn from, today, with the massive political divide in our country. The north may have “won” the war. But, what resulted was a re-unification of all the states. We are always stronger when we are unified. There is more humanity that unites us than the petty differences that divide us. Southern hospitality and The warm hearths of the north mean we are all charitable people with compassion and a love of humanity. If we take the time to remember how we became the greatest country in the world, we can share the ideals this country was founded upon.

Memorial day is upon us. Fire up those grilles!

Observe a moment of silence and contemplation. 11:11 is a good time to do that. The federal government calls for a moment at 3 Pm local time as well. And, many veterans groups host parades on memorial day. Between remembrances, fire up that grille. Enjoy the weather. And, enjoy time spent with family, friends, neighbors, and veterans if you can. The best way to celebrate through food is to have a combination of southern and northern cooking to truly celebrate the freedom afforded us through the strength of the union.

Here is an eclectic All American Melting pot menu to kick off your memorial day:

1. Northwestern Coffee rubbed Hanger steak with Whiskey apple chutney
2. Midwestern Beer braised Bratwurst with caraway slaw
3. Southern dry rubbed chicken with bourbon barbecue sauce
4. Boston Baked beans
5. California Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers with Pico de Gaillo, Avocado, and Micro Greens
6. Pacific coast Corn, edamame, and Haricots Vert Salad with Ginger Dressing