Every year at this time, something magical happens in Happy Valley. Thousands of students and alums who return to their alma mater from the "real world," come together to celebrate what Penn State is truly about.

And this year, Homecoming is not just about football. It's about pride.

Even with the Nittany Lions fighting their way through a rough season, these players are overcoming adversity, and students and the alumni alike need to show their support for the team, despite their opinions on what plays are run or on how the coaching staff is doing its job. We should be thankful to have a football team and coach that uphold Penn State values whether they win or lose.

And, whether the team wins or loses this weekend, there will be plenty of opportunity to celebrate your Penn State pride, other than by throwing bottles or penny-filled marshmallows. There is more to the phrase "bleeding blue and white" than just cheering on the football players.

Please remember in your excitement that by throwing bottles or other objects you might be inadvertently injuring others who share in your excitement. It is important to show your Penn State spirit, but it's important to be courteous to others in doing so.

This respect goes for other aspects of Homecoming as well.

The 2000 Homecoming Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. today by the East Halls flower gardens. Adhering to the theme "The Legacy Lives On," more than 160 organizations will march in the parade, many of them riding on the floats they have spent several back-breaking hours building this week. Cheer on the men and women who have sacrificed their time this week to bring a little more joy to Penn State.

If that's not enough, help the Lion Ambassadors guard the Nittany Lion Shrine from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. as well. Guarding this landmark began years ago when Syracuse students doused the lion in orange oil-based paint before the Homecoming game when Penn State played Syracuse — the university's rival in years gone by.

Regardless of whether we are athletes, greeks, or independents, we are all still students and alums from one of the best educational atmospheres in the country. Homecoming is the one opportunity we have as active members of the Penn State community to act as a whole, put aside our differences, and celebrate the Penn State experience.