June 12, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. The Capital's Parade.

Even on TV the parade was exciting. On the Mall, the sea of red shirts stretched as far as the eye could see. The folks in the whole DC area were ready for a champion and they came out to celebrate. I wondered how many times the captain had hoisted the cup over his head since they won. He has been elated ever since. And why not. He waited a long time and many doubted it would ever happen. But they won. And they have been celebrating ever since. In past years when the Capitals would not win in the early rounds, I commented to Ken that during the season the team played with joy but in the playoffs they got tight and anxious. But the centerman, Backstrom during his speech, commented that finally they figured out how to play hockey the same way they party. I enjoyed watching them win. They played with joy and verve...and they won. That was the best part. Now comes the part where each member of the organization gets to keep the Cup for a day. It is unique in sports but is a wonderful idea. One man travels with the Cup because once it got lost and left after an event. Now The Keeper of The Cup goes everywhere with it. No longer will the cup get lost. But each player gets to take the cup home, to visit the schools and the restaurants. It is great fun. So the party goes on. Winning the Stanley Cup is a bonanza for the organization and the community. They are celebrating in style.