[Before the fireworks show on the East River, after much fanfare and online speculation, Captain America speaks to the crowd gathered. The speech is broadcast live on television, nationwide. (Whether this means other 'heroes' will begin booking engagements or press tours is unknown, but there are already tumblrs dedicated to the idea of Iron Man on Oprah. (Look under your chairs! Islands for everyone!)) Captain Roger's speech is invigorating and uplifting, and even those who are skeptical of a group of non-elected men and women 'policing' them have a hard time being too critical. There's no doubt the message is one of unity, humanity, and connection, of banding together post-invasion, taking an obvious stance against isolationist practices and calling America to lead the charge.
Lines are gif'd, added into the collective vocabulary of a nation celebrating.
After he speaks, Captain America, accompanied by an unknown man he seems to know well, and
dressed down in a black T-shirt sporting
an arc reactor (there's a shoutout to Tony Stark from the Captain. The crowd loves it), goes on to sign shields, hold babies (
gif'd), and shake hands for some time. Several elderly fans get photos to put up on their Face Book Pages. Part way through, just before fireworks are slated to begin, he disappears with an unidentified blonde claiming to be his bodyguard. He is later seen eating a hotdog with her just as the sky lights up.
There is a furor of speculation online that evening. #grandpasgotgame trends worldwide.]