Presented to the Class of ’76 on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the 50^th Reunion by David Luff

Davis Senior High School

 

"The Reunion Committee wanted to do something unique and special for this talented and gifted Class. To celebrate each of you, all you have accomplished, and all we have collectively done. 

Now 50 years later here we are celebrating each other, our impact on the world and how we are weirdly, cosmically aligned to celebrate our nation’s 200th at our graduation and now our 250th at this meaningful reunion.

Tonight, we wanted to present you with a special gift for this amazing Class of ‘76. We have created for you a Class of ‘76 Challenge Coin.

Ok, So a few of you may be wondering what’s a Challenge Coin? Let me give you some background on what’s in front of you with some contextual history..

Challenge coins are small, specially made coins or medallions traditionally associated with the U.S. military, especially as symbols of unit identity, camaraderie, and recognition. Their exact origin is somewhat disputed, but the modern tradition has a fascinating history.

The best-known story dates to World War 1. A wealthy American lieutenant supposedly had bronze coins made for the members of his squadron, bearing their unit insignia. One pilot was later captured by the Germans and escaped. He was nearly executed by French soldiers because he had no identification. He happened to have his squadron coin. The coin convinced the French that he was an American pilot, supposedly saving his life. The story then says that members of his unit began carrying their coins as proof of identity.

Rather than simply proving membership in a unit, commanders began giving coins to people as a tangible “thank you” or recognition for exceptional service.

A commander might hand someone a coin after:

• an especially difficult mission
• an outstanding accomplishment
• helping another service member
• representing the unit particularly well
• completing an important assignment

Traditionally, a coin represents some sort of relationship or accomplishment: in other words you were there, you served, you belonged, you accomplished something, and let me add you ARE and will always be a Blue Devil! 

So tonight we wanted to offer you our own Class of ‘76 Challenge Coin.

Our gift and this coin essentially says

“You are a Blue Devil, we saw what you did, and it mattered.” Thank you!

One last thing….

We are also starting a new tradition this year with our class. My son went to West Point and one of their amazing traditions is to support the new Cadet class that follows them 50 years later. They call it the long gray line. Tonight, we are starting the long blue line. The 2026 Class President will get our Class of '76 Challenge Coin and we have asked him to pass along our Class Coin at their 50th reunion in 2076 (America's 300th birthday) to the Class President to consequently share at their 50th reunion in 2126."

Go Blue Devils!!

 

Challenge Coin front

Challenge Coin back

Inspiration for the back of the coin is our gym facing the Quad. Here you can see the side-by-side of the gym and our line drawing depiction executed for the back of the Challenge Coin.