Good Monday morning, fellow TSFers and supporters of the PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB! Yesterday’s parade was a reinvigorating reminder of what this special bunch of guys achieved this season and the perfect tonic for the bitter taste of Champions League final defeat.
At least one million people lined the streets of North London watch the parade and to celebrate Arsenal winning the Premier League. Some estimates put the number around 1.5M. It was a beautiful, joyous snapshot of some
of the best things in life — families, friends, and perfect strangers sharing happiness.
Not to wax too poetic, but in a world becoming increasingly fractious, hostile, and antagonistic, the celebrations over the last two weeks and the parade yesterday are an example of what we can be as humans. It’s as diverse of a crowd as you’ll find anywhere all united in celebrating something they love – Arsenal.
I saw another post where a gentleman commenting on how comfortable, safe, and included he felt holding hands with his husband in the crowds amidst the celebrations (on the eve of Pride Month, which starts today), which made me particularly proud to be an Arsenal supporter. That’s who we are as a club and supporters. It’s who we can be as humans sharing this planet, gathering together to get through this thing we call life.
Now that I’ve done my soapbox thing, how ‘bout those celebrations?! It’s been so much fun to watch the squad enjoying finally doing the thing. As I recently said in TSF slack, I’m going to dine out on all the videos for a very long time, and I would highly recommend you do the same. Save ‘em on your computer. Anytime you’re feeling a bit down, open up that folder, have a scroll, and I promise you’ll feel better. We’re getting close to a decade since my Washington Capitals won their first and only Stanley Cup, and I still pull up this video from time to time. It still brings me to the verge of happy tears.
There have been so many moments that it is impossible to pick a favorite. For right now, I’m going with Ben White, generally. Pantsing Piero Hincapie during the trophy lift at Selhurst Park. Chucking Martin Ødegaard’s meta glasses off the bus. Shouting “Hincapie, get ‘ya bum out” into the megaphone during the parade. I cannot get enough of his fun, mischievous antics. They’re a bit juvenile but it’s the type of innocent(ish) fun that calls back to happy memories of simpler times in our lives. There’s a time and a place for it, but it’s good to never fully let that part of ourselves go.
Who and what are some of your favorites from the past two weeks of celebrations? Please, please, please do share pictures, videos, and links in the comments!
