It started with the big blue ribbons that the cheerleaders sold, each with a giant football sticker attached. Then, the annual spend the night company in grade school waiting for the announcer to say it’s time for the “victory” line. We hurriedly took our place to run as the Tigers burst through the decorated banner. The bonfire the night before, with the funeral procession for the opposing team, as the casket was tossed onto the fire. The anticipation of getting out early for the parade. We watched in awe of the older high school students who passed by. They seemed so much older at the time. Then we became old enough to build floats and stuff chicken wire. Getting out of school to decorate these floats at the old armory was a privilege. Riding on your decorated float or walking beside it as you wave to your hometown was a rite of passage. And the thrill of victory tasted so sweet when your float wins the competition as announced at the evening’s football game.

The pride of being selected to be on the court and the preparations of the right suit- yes, that’s right, a suit. The proper evening gown for the parade was often borrowed rather than purchased. The giant mum that adorned that big blue ribbon with a blue pipe cleaner “D” and a gold football ornament attached. Oh, that big blue ribbon! Your hero, your dad, is leading you out onto the field. The dance afterwards. I am so thankful I got to be part of it all.

And to think, it all started with a big blue ribbon. Homecoming.