The summertime holiday of Flag Day is a very special day in the American calendar.  Flag Day means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but this uniquely modern holiday that celebrates patriotism is universally considered a great day to spend with family and friends.  The fact that Flag Day is about celebrating the American way of life means that a lot of uniquely American traditions and pleasures are at their peak during the weekend closest to National Flag Day.  Flag Day is a cheerful occasion that requires a party, and the best kind of party to celebrate this special day is a barbecue.

Indeed, few people would argue with the fact that one of the most treasured traditions that is a part of the Flag Day celebration is the barbecue.  Having a Flag Day barbecue is an annual ritual that many different kinds of families in America enjoy and look forward to.  There are a lot of reasons why a barbecue is an appropriate kind of party to celebrate Flag Day.  Because Flag Day is a fairly casual holiday among patriotic American holidays, a barbecue is a fittingly low key way to celebrate the occasion.  Barbecue parties can be large gatherings where the meal is done in a potluck style.  A potluck style barbecue is a party where everybody brings one dish to share.  This means that throwing a Flag Day potluck barbecue is less work than throwing a formal dinner, because nobody has to cook more than one dish.  By working together, a large group of people can have a great party without a lot of effort.  This kind of casual and cooperative get together is innately democratic, which makes it an ideal way to celebrate Flag Day and the American spirit.  A Flag Day barbecue can really bring a community together, and celebrating the communities that make modern day America a great place to live is a large part of what Flag Day is all about.

Flag Day is a day that is sweet to the utmost, but most patriotic holidays contain a tinge of melancholy.  For example, Flag Day is not as somber or contemplative as Veteran's Day, which is a day that is set aside to remember and appreciate the sacrifices that American soldiers have made to preserve the daily life and safety of the people of the United States.  Veteran's Day is a holiday that is very bittersweet.  The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a day that marks the founding of the United States.  This is a joyful occasion, but it also calls to mind the painful and bloody era of the Revolutionary War, and reminds all Americans of the fact that the freedoms we enjoy today were not without a very definite cost.  By contrast, Flag Day is a lively occasion that allows Americans to celebrate the glory of our nation without having to face any of these darker, more complex facts about the history of America.  National Flag Day is a chance to revel in the joys of being alive in the modern day United States, and this cheerful holiday is a great chance to relax in a fun and enjoyable barbecue party atmosphere surrounded by our nearest and dearest friends and family members.