George was certain that both of their factories and some of the factory's suppliers would make contributions to help pay for the veterans and their families’ admission to the event and the cost of their lunches. Within a couple of weeks, George had raised more than half the funds needed to pay for the entire event from Molly's factory, his factory, and many of the factory's suppliers, with the suggestion that if there was more money raised than was needed to cover the costs, they give the excess to either the USO or use it to buy war bonds to help pay for the country's remaining war debt. His philanthropy and commitment to the veterans was above and beyond anything that Molly had ever experienced before, and she was warmed through by a quiet pride in her husband-to-be.
On the Sunday before the 4th of July, after one of Aunt Dolores' famous dinners, Molly and George tried on their well-tailored, white linen outfits, beautifully trimmed with red and blue designs. Both suits had a spectacular large, spread-winged, bald eagle embroidered on the back. They fit beautifully, with Molly's set off by a veiled bridal tiara and George's with a handsome red, white and blue boater, and finished off with white boots. George would drive the two of them, the outfits, and Jesse and Dolores to the track in his Cadillac, and there they would be met by two hundred family members and friends at the wedding and reception spread across the prime sections around the clubhouse. Everything was now set for the wedding.
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.