Once a year we take time from our busy schedules to celebrate our independence and the birth of the American experiment- a government of, by and for the people.
We owe a deep debt of gratitude to the Founding Fathers and the generations of men and women before us, many whom gave their lives to pave the way for the freedoms we now enjoy.
I’m fortunate to live in Bristol, Rhode Island a small historic town on the banks of sparkling Narragansett Bay. Bristol is known as America’s most patriotic town and for good reason as it remembers the past of being on the front lines of the American Revolution and celebrates the present in style. Since 1785 the Town of Bristol has hosted the oldest and largest continuous Fourth of July Celebration in the country.
This year will mark our 229th Fourth of July parade which draws over 200,000 people from around the world annually. Picture a Norman Rockwell setting with period houses from the early 1700’s to the early 1900’s decorated with American flags and patriotic buntings. Red, White and Blue painted center lines down leafy Hope Street (our Main St.). Thousands of people lining the street that goes on for miles past the harbor, with sail and power boats on their moorings. Families gathered on front porches, people in lawn chairs, kid’s sitting on branches of trees. Blue Angels jet through the sky and a majestic Navy Destroyer lies anchored just beyond the harbor.
Brightly colored, award winning marching bands from around the country, soldiers, sailors, floats, clowns on walking stilts, antique cars with Medal of Honor winners and on and on it goes. The sites, the sounds, the experience. But above all, it’s that one day a year when we all come together as a nation of people, no matter our race, color, creed, or political party, to celebrate “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.
Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!!
