Thirteen is a Lucky Number on July 4th in America

Why do Americans barbecue on the 4th of July? It’s a centuries-old tradition evolving from Paul Revere to Weber grill. Traditionally, it included a livestock roast and 13 toasts to the first colonies. Today, barbecues are much smaller but fireworks remain. Almost missing them one U.S. Independence Day, I attest to their invocation of patriotism.