We ate our first barbecue lunch last weekend at a Mission Barbecue restaurant. Upon entering, the positive charge in the atmosphere is 100% American.  The walls are covered with pictures of veteran missions, soldiers stepping off trains from World War II, greeted by their loved ones, and photos of all branches of the armed services are represented.

What wall space is left is covered with thousands of patches representing the military, law enforcement, firefighters, forestry, mixed with flags and hats of all those that serve.  The intoxicating scent of a properly seasoned and smoked feast fills the air while cheerful staff wearing ‘Honored to Serve’ t-shirts greet you with a smile.  Country and patriotic music plays over the speakers.

The picnic table-style seating has a big roll of paper towels so you can make a mess, and at least eight different barbecue sauces to choose from.  Today the clientele was a wholesome mix of families, military, elderly vets, and couples enjoying a delicious lunch.

So just as we sat down close to noon, I had to go….. and while in the bathroom as the clock struck 12:00, I heard a voice say over a loudspeaker, “As we do every day, please stand and sing together our National Anthem”,  and the music began to play.   I listened as the entire restaurant proudly sang our anthem.  At the end, everyone cheered and clapped, then sat down and resumed their lunch.

I deliberately stayed stuck in the toilet, because if I had set a toe outside the door, I would have started blubbering.  So I waited in my stall, blinking back the tears, not wanting to walk out in that crowd sniffling and sobbing.  I made my way back to our table and my husband says, “You just missed it!  They played the National Anthem and all the TV’s showed a waving American flag!  Everyone stood and faced the flags and sang – it was incredible!”

“I heard it from the bathroom.” I sniffed.   My eyes still stung from just hearing the moving sound of a bunch of strangers singing a patriotic song altogether.  Not a ballgame or big arena, just a moment in a small shopping center restaurant, to remind me how much we have to be proud of and thankful for.  The food was the bonus.

From their website, a Mission Statement:  “Our young men and women in uniform. Veterans who served with honor. Our local Police, Firefighters and First Responders who make Our Community a better place to live. They’re the people we respect most of all, so MISSION BBQ tries to give back in return. From fundraisers to service projects, we have your back, donating over $10,000,000 supporting vital charities since opening our doors in 2011.”   

https://mission-bbq.com/

Try it out if you have a Mission Barbecue nearby and bring a Kleenex if it’s close to noon!