What kind of celebration was there for your high school graduation?

This is just blowing my mind. For the last several years, at this time of year, there are HS graduation parties, that all include barbecue, all over the state. I mean, you drive down the street, see a bunch of cars parked in front of a house, go in, grab food and leave! (Just kidding. I’ve not done that, but I could.) House are decorated, flags flying, just all out.

When I graduated from HS, I think my parents were at the ceremony, but afterward all of my classmates, and I, went to Meadowlark Lake and had a keg party. No one’s parents had any kind of at-home gala celebration.
When we got home it was like, “Move out! Good bye!”

I’m not sure what to make of it! It’s like a whole other holiday, like fourth of July or something. It’s cool. What are your thoughts?