Aflame

One of the offspring asked what grilling has to do with Memorial Day. Mmmm. Ummm. Well. "I don't know, but many American holiday celebrations do seem to center around lighting things on fire." Really. There are gobs of examples to back up this off-the-cuff answer. Hanukkah and Christmas involve candlelight in a menorah, on a tree, or at a church service. The ubiquitous candle lit table signifies Valentine's Day or Anniversary dinners. Weddings have the Bride and Groom coming together to light a Unity Candle. Birthdays are celebrated by tempting the smoke alarms with flaming cakes. Fourth of July and New Year's Eve are both marked by celebratory fire works. Halloween has a gourd afire on the doorstep or in the window. Memorial Day and Labor Day are usually spent gathered around a grill somewhere. Yes. I think this answer may be spot on... It totally explains why our insurance agent gave us a fire extinguisher as a housewarming gift. How else would one celebrate a new home?!