Love Letters From the Grave(34)
The 4th of July dawned bright and balmy, with the promise of a warm day filled with sunshine. Just before breakfast, Carol knocked on the door.
‘How’s the blushing bride?’ asked Carol with a nudge.
‘Not blushing, just excited.’
Molly had never told Carol about her life with Tommy, as she was his sister when all was said and done, but Carol knew enough to be excited for her.
Carol gave Molly a hug. ‘He’s a good man,’ she said, without adding “unlike Tommy” but pausing long enough to make her meaning clear to her friend. ‘You’ll be very happy.’
And Molly believed it to the center of her heart. How could she not be completely ecstatic every day of her life from now on, with this wonderful man lavishing such loving attention on her? No woman could ask for more, apart from children, of course – and hopefully they would come soon, too.
After a hearty breakfast and a pre-wedding embrace with her bridegroom, the five of them set off in George's car, in time to get there a half-hour before the 9:00 opening. On arriving at the VIP parking area, they were met by a track official and escorted to the clubhouse. As they were putting their wedding things away, Ben came in to give a quick update.
‘Every seat occupied,’ he declared gleefully, ‘and fifteen percent profit for war bonds. Can you believe it?’ He slapped George on the shoulder. ‘It’s three quarters veterans and their families, and they’ll be participating in the parades and ceremonies. It’s going to be quite a day!’
‘And there’s a wedding to enjoy,’ Jesse reminded him.
Ben laughed. ‘As if I’d forget! It’s truly a wonderful 4th of July.’
He gave them copies of the program as he excused himself from the room and they went to find their seats for the start of opening ceremonies. Their seats were in the center, about half-way between the clubhouse and the portable stage that was wheeled out in front of them and on which the wedding ceremony would take place.
The track announcer declared the day’s festivities open. Almost immediately, far down the track to the left, the famous band from the area's university struck up a Sousa march, and began marching toward the grandstand. Behind the band was a very large number of veterans, in the uniforms of the various branches of the armed services, marching twelve abreast.
‘All the veterans here are holders of the Purple Heart, ladies and gentleman,’ announced the MC. ‘Let’s salute their courage and patriotism.’
‘Goodness, George,’ whispered Molly, fighting back tears. ‘This is the most extraordinary day.’
‘A day to count our blessings.’ George dropped a kiss on Molly’s hair, watching the ceremony intently. A good man, she repeated to herself. A very good man.
On command, the parade halted. They all turned a right face as the band played the national anthem, while the flag was raised to the top of the flagpole. This was followed by three benedictions delivered by a minister, a priest and a rabbi. At the end of the benedictions, the band struck up a medley of the songs of the four major branches of the armed services as the parade marched to the right down the track.
The grandstand was then wheeled away, and the morning program of four races began. All four races were very competitive and exciting, with only three accidents, one in the second and two in the third and no serious injuries. The second race was the most exciting of all, with every one of the eight riders having the lead at least once. Immediately after the fourth race, the grandstand was wheeled back out in front-center of the clubhouse seats.
While this was taking place George, Molly, Jesse and Carol made their way up into the clubhouse to change into their wedding outfits, as the M.C. introduced the second parade of veterans from every one of the services who were the Honored Heroes of the day. They were all decorated with medals awarded for valor in combat, ranging from the Bronze Star to the Army Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross; over half were also decorated with the Purple Heart.
As the Marine Band played, the Commanding General of the state's National Guard walked to the microphone. He himself was a hero of both the First and Second World Wars: awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart in WWI and Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Purple Heart in WWII. As soon as the band stopped playing, the General then delivered a stirring speech, the first of several which would meet with thunderous applause.
Then, on cue, an organist began playing the "Wedding March" on the clubhouse organ. As it blared out of the speakers throughout the racetrack, the five members of the wedding party made their way down to the grandstand.
The wedding ceremony lasted about ten minutes, and the crowd was rapt and very quiet while it was taking place. The wedding party was colorfully radiant, with the Minister (the same uncle who had married Molly and Tommy) wearing a white robe, a white and gold sash, and a woven gold belt, the bride and groom in their custom made white motorcycle suits, with the eagle on the back and trimmed in red and blue, Jesse in a very nice, pin-striped, dark-grey suit, and Carol in a well-fitting pink dress set off with a veiled, coral-colored hat. When the crowd heard Molly say, "I do," they broke out in a raucous applause, which was repeated when the Minister introduced the newly-weds to the audience.
The Minister returned to the clubhouse to shed his robes, while the other four members of the wedding party made their way to their seats to re-join Aunt Dolores and enjoyed their box lunch. They remained in their wedding raiment as they watched the remaining races and closing ceremonies, so that they would be dressed for the reception.