"It's my party and I'll cry if you want to" lyrics by Seymour Gottlieb.
In 1963 Lesley Gore version of It's my party hit number one. So cry if you want to today. Hopefully your party does not exceed the limit of people allowed during a gathering in accordance with your states current COVID-19 mandates. Being infected with the coronavirus would be reason to cry with potential to die.
Recently reported in the Washington Post a California man died after contracting the virus at a party where no masks were worn. Reports say another guest who knowingly had the virus, but no symptoms attended the party. His thinking was that without symptoms he could not transmit the virus. He is wrong.
Know your facts: the coronavirus can be transmitted by people who have the virus whether you have symptoms or not and regardless of your knowing. If you have not been tested you may be asymptomatic. So the simple solution is wear a mask and social distance or stay home as governors and mayors around the country are pleading to people. Celebrate small. Be safe. Save lives.
For over 200 years barbecue food and grilling has been part of the July fourth celebration. Back in the late 1700's full pigs and animal carcasses were cooked for large gatherings where people drank and played games while eating outdoors. Sound familiar? (besides the animal carcass) Hamburgers and hot dogs, ribs and anything you can grill are the staple BBQ entrees, but don't forget the sides: potato salad, cold slaw, baked beans, corn on the cob and watermelon.
I remember growing up on Long Island where we always had a backyard barbecue celebration on the fourth of July. Mostly at either my parents Levittown home or in Brooklyn at the Monterosso home and later on at Lisa's house. In my youth I recall my grandparents, Ercole and Ann Portoghese, coming from Queens and always bringing the hot and sweet sausage, semolina bread and those delicious Italian cookies. Dad did the grilling. Everyone wore red, white and blue. Sometimes we had sparklers. We were not big on the fireworks, but as grandma Ann once said, " we sure know how to throw a party". For me it has always been about family. Getting everyone together and seeing cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Dad and mom were always happy hosting at their home. Getting family together always put a smile on their faces.
I remember one summer I was in Canada for the fourth and it was quiet and strange.
Even though there is much about our nation that is not worthy of celebration and we fail in many regards we can still get together with loved ones and visit with family. Celebrate the love and maybe when the conversation around the table involves current events we can discuss the changes we need to make which can heal our country of its past atrocities. We can understand the need for better civility from all of us. A deeper sense of empathy and a commitment to making all lives matter.
Today is a day to rejoice in the freedom of our country and reflect upon the past, but also to realize there is a future and we all have a role to play and a responsibility to make it better, safer and truly worthy of a celebration.
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