D-Days History and 2014’s Parade

            Tradition is a concept that flows deep within the veins of the University of South Dakota. One of these traditions is USD’s homecoming: Dakota Days. Starting on November 20, 1914, the senior community members of Vermillion saw a wave of excellence that has never been seen before from the University Students. The residents of Vermillion wanted to dedicate a week out of the academic year to bring students, alumni and residents of Vermillion together.

Each year, the tradition of D-Days keeps getting bigger and better. Organizations from the university and community do everything they can to make the week as memorable as possible. Various events keep the Vermillion community busy throughout the week. All of this leads up to the parade in the morning where everyone is encouraged to watch. Afterwards, people move to the Dakota Dome, where the biggest tailgating session of the year starts as a prelude to the Homecoming Football Game.

“South Dakota Day is a unique feature in the history of the University. It is not too much to say then that the day has come to stay as one of the annual features of the School, and that each year will see it bettered and enlarged, until it will become a traditional day to University students and Alumni.” – The Coyote, 1916

One of the most profound aspects of D-Days is the morning parade. It is the quintessential combination of all the efforts the Vermillion community puts together and a great introduction for the biggest day out of the whole year for USD. Student organizations such as Greek Life, SGA and Spectrum were involved in the festivities. High School bands joined in on the fun with their own flare and choreographed routines. And political figures used the parade as a positive way to persuade voters in their favor.

There were even a couple oddballs at the parade that really stood out. There was this one particular band that had its roots in Asian Traditions. They used Asian drums and woodwinds for a mellow, spiritual kind of melody. Also, there were several kart riders that rode around all the other participants in the parade. Lastly, there were these people dressed up as chickens that finalized the weirdos at the parade.

When the parade starts, it feels like the entire community comes together to watch something really special. Even in a small college town like Vermillion, the fire of tradition still burns just as bright as it did 100 years ago. And this fire can only keep burning if the students can keep up their excellence and honor as the Flagship University of South Dakota.