Truman Homecoming parade

October 23, 2021

We were thrilled to be 'back' at the homecoming parade.  In 2020 there was no Truman Homecoming (appropriately) and it definitely felt celebratory to be back in this spot enjoying the parade with community.  Patti again had a special spot for Daddy to sit - just like always.  We are so grateful to her for this special honor.  It goes back many years and was a bit melancholy that this year, there was only Daddy.  For many years the Bulldog Hall of Famers, specifically from the basketball team of 1946-48, long considered the best basketball team in the history of the university, would gather in these seats to view the homecoming parade.  They would proudly wear their KSTC sweatshirts - and always got a wave from Daddy.  :)  (note - there is backstory about those KSTC sweatshirts... you can hear Daddy tell the story in the video at the bottom of this post.)  In 2002, during Daddy's last homecoming parade as President, Harry Gallatin and Dick Erzen stepped out and stopped the parade, presenting Daddy with his own KSTC sweatshirt.  :)  Following Daddy's retirement he was given a prized seat with this fine crew to view the parade.  Such wonderful memories. 

Back to 2021... SO glad to be back!  Daddy got to see many dear friends - what a blessing!

Lanny greeting Daddy

Marvin, Daddy, Lanny, Margaret

Our favorite little guy has arrived!  :D

Daddy with 'the twins' - Jeannette and Gerry 

Maverick was taking his mittens off... so Zac tried one on.  That got Mav's attention - he grabbed it back off Zac's hand.  :D 

Maverick checking out the parade

Anne, Scott, DeAnn, Jennifer

Mav greeting Great-Grandpa Jack 

Maverick loved the bands and the parade!

Zac is a lot of fun to attend a parade with!  :D

Sisters!  :)  Laura and Julie, Jeannette and Gerry 

Maverick, Zac, Hannah, Jackson 

Mav's Mom was coming!  She was walking with her band kids and planned to stop by and pick Mav up to finish out the parade with her.  How exciting!  

Here she is!!!

Jackson, Brianna, and Maverick walking with the Green City band

Mav loved it!!

President Thomas greeting Daddy.  Sure appreciate her.  

Anne, Daddy, Jennifer, Scott

Bertha and Daddy 

Hannah, Daddy, Zac

disrobing after the parade???   :D   hahahahahaha!

No, they were comparing their university names on their shirts...  

DeAnn had on Truman gear, Daddy had KSTC, Zac was wearing Truman,
Gerry and Jeannette were wearing NMSU.  

Fun Fact - KSTC was never an official name of the university - even though people still believe it was to this day.  The name was officially Northeast Missouri State Teacher's College - not Kirksville State Teacher's College.  But KSTC was a whole lot easier to call out for cheers than NMSTC.  :D  So it stuck!  ha!

Daddy telling the story about his shirt

Marvin, David, and Jonathan