August 17, 1940, when Willkie returned to his hometown of Elwood, Indiana, to deliver his acceptance speech, will always stand out as one of the town’s most important days. Those who witnessed this historic speech, however, also experienced events that overwhelmed the small town’s capacities. It was estimated that a quarter of a million people jammed into Elwood and converged on the town’s Calloway Park, which caused numerous problems, most notably a huge traffic jam that threatened to delay the event. The logistics of handling such a large crowd were compounded by the day’s high humidity and temperature, which topped 100 degrees during Willkie’s afternoon speech.

   Opening paragraph: The ceremony of an acceptance speech is a tradition of our pioneer past -- before the days of rapid communication. You all know that I accepted at Philadelphia the nomination of the Republican party for President of the United States. But I take pride in our traditions and not in change for the mere sake of overthrowing precedents.

   Concluding paragraph: With the help of Almighty Providence, with unyielding determination and ceaseless effort, we must and we shall make that American promise come true.