You don't need a Nobel Prize to know barbecues heal all wounds, but it helps give the notion some credibility.
South African archbishop Desmond Tutu, who won his Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his struggle against apartheid, was Patron of National Braai Day in South Africa yesterday.
Braai is a word used by all South Africans for grilling, or barbecuing.
Tutu told reporters at the barbecue, "There are so many things that are pulling us apart, this has a wonderful potential to bring us all together...We have 11 different official languages but only one word for the wonderful institution of braai: in Xhosa, English, Afrikaans, whatever."
He added: "We've shown the world a few things. Let's show them that ordinary activities like eating can unite people of different races, religions, sexes... short people, tall people, fat people, lean people."
From now on, when I barbecue, I'll think of the great Desmond Tutu, who articulated what so many of us have experienced: that the barbecue, creating sweet smells and great meals, and giving a great excuse to hold a beer and a spatula at the same time, helps create a perfect world.
NOTE TO JOHN TORY: Dalton has already staked out Family Day, but there's no reason why you can't endorse Family Day and add one more holiday to it: Barbecue Day.