4:30 PM PDT
Right after the disc jockey finished playing Omaha by Moby Grape, Goldie Wilson stepped up to the podium and grabbed a microphone.
"Howdy, brothers and sisters," Goldie announced. "I hope you've enjoyed the groovy music that we provided for you so far. We're going to take a little break, now - as we would like to present you with a few speakers."
The Martys turned to glance at each other, as the audience erupted into applause and cheered, and a few even flashed peace signs.
"I want to thank everyone for coming this afternoon," Goldie continued. "This is a great turnout, and it's exciting to see how many of us there really are!"
There was more applause and cheers from the audience.
"So now, I'd like to introduce a pair of young twins who will tell us about their travels and experiences as draft resisters: Norman and Tucker Hopkins."
The Martys glanced at each other. They weren't expecting this to happen.
"What do we do, now?" Marty Jr whispered to his father-to-be.
"I'm sure we'll think of something," Marty Sr assured his future son.
As the Martys took the podium, Marty Sr looked over to the crowd - and noticed a sign that read "War Is A Waste Of Human Life".
"Before I get started," Marty Sr started, "I think we should remember that above all, war is a waste of human life. Isn't that right, Norman?"
"That's correct," Marty Jr replied. "I think it might be appropriate for us to have a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives in Viet Nam... on both sides."
The Martys bowed their heads, and the audience followed suit.
"Thank you," Marty Sr continued. "Uh, well, I guess we're supposed to talk about our travels and experiences... which have been unique, I assure you. Y'know, we're all here to say we're against the war, and that's great. But maybe we oughta take a few moments to figure out what we're for - what's it all about?"
Marty Sr glanced at the audience, and he was surprised to see Sam standing next to Stella. This gave Marty an inspiration. "For me, the answer is the family. I guess you tend to take your family for granted because you just figure it'll always be there. But if you lose your family, you may never get it back. This we know from experience."
Marty Sr smiled at his son encouragingly, and whispered, "Grandpa Sam is here."
"War tears families apart," Marty Jr continued, nervously. "physically, mentally, and spiritually. Because of war, some families won't even have a chance to get started. But wars end, politicians come and go, issues change. Only the family remains. That is why there's nothing in life worth risking your family for - not for money, or power, or a career... certainly not for war, or the politics of war."
"There's a man here this afternoon," Marty Sr commented. "Unlike most of us who showed up, he believes that we are fighting a just war. Now, I don't think it is right to fault him for holding views that are different. This is America, after all - and this very country has been built on the premise of freedom and liberty for all. The very first amendment that I'm sure we all treasure, is having the freedom of speech."
"Freedom of speech is one thing that many of us will often take for granted," Marty Jr added. "Sometimes, we are also quick to pass judgement on other people for having opinions that are different from our own. Now, just so you all know, this is a two way street. Just as we expect the conservatives in this country to respect our views about this war, it is only fair that we show them the same respect."
"This is not to say that we expect anyone to change their minds," Marty Sr continued, "whether you agree with this war or not. I've seen people who break up friendships, because they can't just agree to disagree respectfully. Now here is a young man who has had his feelings hurt by his own father, because his father could not accept that his son has a right to disagree with him on the war."
"Many of us may dream about global peace and harmony," Marty Jr explained. "It is just as vital, however, that we maintain peace and harmony within our own families. Just because there's currently a war being fought in Viet Nam, this doesn't mean we should have war within our families, too."
"When you let politics, or war, or money," Marty Sr concluded, "or anything make you lose sight of your own family - you're killing something in yourself, just like they are killing each other in Vietnam. We can't end the war tonight. But we can put aside our differences, and reaffirm our belief in one thing that is important - our families!"
The audience erupted with enthusiastic cheers and applause.
oooooooooo
Jennifer and Harmony glanced over at Sam and Stella. Sam actually had tears in his eyes, as he walked up to Toby, and he threw his arms around his son.
"I'm sorry about everything I said to you, sonny," Sam said, sorrowfully. "There was absolutely no excuse whatsoever for the things I said to you last week. If you never forgive me, I'll understand. I guess I've been a terrible father."
"Oh, Daddy, I love you!" exclaimed Toby, as he began to cry. "I was so hurt by the things you've said to me, but that's because you are my daddy. If it was a stranger on the street who said those things to me, I really wouldn't have cared. However, to hear you saying those things to me really cut me like a knife."
"I understand, honey," Sam replied, "and I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you. I promise. I still believe that this war is just - but you don't, and it's wrong for me to try to make you change your mind. This is America, and freedom is what this country stands for."
"Thank you so much, Daddy," Toby said, weeping.
"Happy Birthday, honey," Sam added, as he kissed the top of his son's forehead. "I love you, Toby - and I guess I just have to realize that we are two different people."
Jennifer realized that she was crying, too. She glanced over at Harmony, who was also crying. Suddenly the two of them embraced.
oooooooooo
"'Outside agitator', huh, Reese?" Officer Foley asked. "I don't see any agitation, do you?"
"No, sir," Officer Reese replied, blushing.
"Hey, boys," Officer Foley called out, as the Martys were walking by. "I would like to let you know that we have decided to drop all charges against you. You are now free to go. Happy trails."
"Thank you, Officer," the Martys said, gratefully.
"Dismiss the charges," Officer Foley said to Reese, "destroy the records and make sure Mrs. McFly gets her bail money back. If you need me, I'll be home, spending time with my family."
The Martys smiled at each other their identical lopsided smiles.
oooooooooo
"I really will miss you guys," Toby said, blinking back tears. "Thank you so much for helping my father and I to reconcile with each other. Good luck on your journey."
"It's been nice getting to know the two of you," Sally added. "I now wish you farewell and godspeed. Remember to keep the peace."
"If you boys ever see your cousin, Calvin, again," Lorraine added, "tell him that we both said 'hi', okay?"
"Right," Marty Sr replied, smiling, "and take care of that baby!"
"I will," replied Lorraine, as she hugged the Martys. "Hey, I have one last question to ask you boys."
"What is it?" asked Marty Sr.
"When your cousin left back in 1955," Lorraine said, "he mentioned something about how, if George and I ever had kids, and one of them ever accidentally set fire to the living room rug when he was eight - that I should go easy on him. Do you have any idea what that was all about?"
"Uh, not really," Marty Sr said, with a sheepish smile. "But, yes, if that ever happens - you should definitely go easy on him."
"We will, then," Lorraine replied, as the Martys headed back towards Doc's home.
oooooooooo
"Where are they going, Doc?" asked Sabrina. "What are these funny cars for?"
"Oh, well, it's some sort a science experiement," replied Doc. "Why don't you head home to your family, now? We can get together again, tomorrow."
"Good bye, Sabrina," Marty Sr said, as he hugged the little girl. The others followed suit. Marty than patted Newton's head, and said, "Take good care of Doc, buddy. I'll really miss you, too." Newton yipped happily, as he licked Marty Sr's hand.
"Now, we need to get you guys back to your respective years," Doc told the time travellers, after Sabrina left. "I guess I now only have to wait a little over seventeen years, before I can tell you about what happened in 1955."
"Right, Doc," Marty Sr replied, "but you'll have to wait eighteen years to tell us about our visit in this years."
"And 48 years for us," Marty Jr added, smiling roguishly.
"All right, gang," replied Doc. "Let's head to Hill Valley Park, and send you all home."
Marty Jr and Harmony compared the DeLoreans, and they stepped into the one that had the destination locator installed. Marty Sr and Jennifer immediately stepped into the other one. Doc followed both pairs of time travellers to Hill Valley Park, to make sure that they all went home safely.