Rev. Colleen Irwin

This Is What Freedom Tastes Like

This is what freedom tastes like for me and I feel like sharing my imagined picnic table where all are included.  Memorial Day may mark the unofficial start of summer, but the 4th of July? That’s when the real party begins. Fireworks, flags, and the sweet scent of barbecue in the air—it’s a celebration of freedom, community, and, of course, food.

But here’s the thing: freedom isn’t just red, white, and blue. It’s every color of the rainbow—and every flavor, tradition, and story that makes this country so rich and complicated. So this year, why not let your 4th of July table reflect that?

Think of your table as a vibrant patchwork quilt, stitched together with foods from all corners of the world and hearts from all walks of life. Let’s explore what freedom tastes like—beyond the classic hot dogs and apple pie.

Red: Bold and Beautiful

Start strong with a slice of watermelon—no one ever says no to that on a hot July afternoon. Add strawberry shortcake, grilled red peppers, or even a bowl of spicy kimchi to honor our shared love of flavor with a kick. Red is fire, passion, and energy—your table should have it all.

Don’t Forget the Ribs!
And don’t forget the ribs—sticky, smoky, finger-lickin’ good ribs. They say messy is beautiful, and I say amen to that.

Orange: Warm and Welcoming

It’s also a perfect excuse to bust out Aperol spritzes or orange creamsicle floats. (Both patriotic. I checked.) Pair those with carrot salad, sweet potato fries, or Caribbean jerk chicken. Orange is about community and creativity—perfect for sparking conversation and connection.

Yellow: Sunshine on a Plate

Corn on the cob dripping with butter, golden fried plantains, and bright mango slices bring sunshine to your spread. Pour a cold glass of lemonade or a local craft beer. Yellow is joy and optimism—the feeling we hope to carry all year long.

Green: Fresh and Alive

From grilled asparagus and kale salad to avocado guacamole and Indian saag paneer—green represents growth and renewal. It’s a nod to the earth beneath our feet and the hope that freedom grows stronger with each generation.

Blue: Rare and Sacred

Blue foods are few and far between, but isn’t that the point? Sometimes rare is sacred. Think blueberries, blue corn chips with salsa, or a chilled blueberry lavender lemonade. Blue brings peace and reflection—reminding us that freedom also means rest, respect, and space to breathe.

Indigo and Violet: The Spirit and Mystery

Lavender cupcakes, blackberries, and rich grape juices speak to the deeper, spiritual side of freedom—the hopes, dreams, and mysteries that connect us beyond borders and beliefs.

A Rainbow Worth Celebrating

This 4th of July, let your table reflect what truly makes this country beautiful—not just red, white, and blue, but every hue of the rainbow. We are a nation woven from stories, songs, and recipes passed down, mixed up, borrowed, and re-imagined. Every dish tells a story, and every guest brings something sacred to the table. This is what freedom tastes like for me.

So go ahead—pass the pierogi and the pupusas, pour the lemonade and the horchata, serve the ribs next to the tofu skewers. There’s room for it all.

Because somewhere over the rainbow isn’t just a dream. It’s a promise.
A promise that this land—this celebration—is for all of us.

This 4th of July, set a table that celebrates every flavor, color, and story in your circle. Invite the messy, the sweet, the spicy, and the sacred. Freedom tastes like all of us—together, messy, and beautiful.