“Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye,” called Bristol’s Town Crier, Michael Rielly, welcoming the crowd to Bristol’s Flag Day observances on Sunday afternoon on the Town Common. “On this day in 1777, our founders declared the 13 stars gracing our nation’s flag represented a new constellation in the sky,” he said. “Since then, the stars and stripes have flown free as a lasting emblem of our republic and a powerful symbol of freedom and opportunity. By honoring our flag we show reverence for those ideals and appreciation for the brave men and women who served and died in defense of those ideals. As Americans, it is our duty to defend the cause of liberty and ensure that the flag of the United States continues to fly free for generations to come.”

In this way, it was like any other Flag Day in recent memory — Bristol’s town officials and the Fourth of July Committee were well represented; the Chief Marshal spoke and took part in the raising of the flag; a talented young singer sang the Star-Spangled Banner.

It was also like no other Flag Day in recent memory, as people sat and stood 6 feet apart, without handshakes or hugs; masks were worn, making it that much harder to recognize neighbors in the crowd.

The most remarkable thing of all, however, was the fact that the event happened at all, given the restrictions that as recently as a month ago kept many of the assembled crowd cloistered at home. Covid-19 is still present, Bristol showed it can stay safe while honoring longstanding traditions.

“Isn’t today an amazing day?” asked General Chairman Michelle Martins, taking the stage following Mr. Rielly. “We stayed at home, we learned from home, we worked from home, and we taught from home … For a brief moment, we lost freedoms that we are accustomed to … We honor the men and women who fought for the freedoms that this flag represents.”

She called for a moment of silence for all who were lost to Covid.

Ms. Martins went on to introduce members of the committee, Patriotic Speaker Capt. Mark Turner and the Hattie Brown Award recipient, Keri Davock; as well as town officials, including Town Administrator Steve Contente, who Ms. Martins credited with the successful execution of the event. “Without you following through, today would not have happened,” she said as she introduced him. Mr. Contente spoke briefly, followed by Town Council Chairman Nathan Calouro.

Past Chief Marshal Lisa Sienkiewicz  then introduced Suzanne Magaziner, the chief marshal for the 235th Celebration — and only the 12th woman in two and a half centuries to be so honored. Ms. Sienkiewicz cited Ms. Magaziner’s dedication to working for the underserved, “whether she is bringing educational opportunity to underprivileged and at-risk youth, providing affordable access to the arts for schoolchildren, supporting local efforts to save Bristol Harbor, or along with her husband, providing land on their Bristol farm for the East Bay Food Pantry to grow food for those in need.”

“She embodies our community values, and is a great example of someone who strives to make this world a better place.”

Chief Marshal looks to the past for inspiration

“Thank you so much. I’m so excited to he here, and what an honor this is,” said Ms. Magziner, upon taking the stage. “On this Flag Day I think of my father, who as a very young Marine took part in the brutal battle of Iwo Jima, for which he later won the Purple Heart.” She spoke of how those young men who fought with her father, many wounded along with him, and others who would not survive, were of different races, religions and ethnicities, but all were united by their love of the flag and what it represented.

“In these troubled times, it is important to remember that we are all one people. We are all Americans. And the flag represents all of us.”

“In that unity is our strength,” Ms. Magaziner said.

She then announced her Chief of Staff, her sister Linda Bushee, a nurse who has worked in local hospitals for 40 years and whom Ms. Magaziner called “a true hero.” Linda’s husband John, a Vietnam veteran, will serve as one of Ms. Magaziner’s military aides. “Today it is my great privilege and honor to honor him now, and other veterans of that terrible war, for their service,” said Ms. Magaziner.

Ms. Magaziner’s other two military aides are Bristol sisters, Capt. Anne Lero, U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, and Major Margaret Larson, U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve.

Both officers were deployed on multiple occasions, and, according to Ms. Magaziner, “Both sisters agree that Bristol’s patriotism helped to cultivate their own pride in our nation and their careers as servant-leaders.”

Ms. Magaziner was accompanied by her sons, Seth and Jonathan, their wives Julia and Jen, and her grandchildren (and Junior Aides) Ronan and Kieran. Her sons took turns turning the handle that lifted the massive flag up over the Town Common.

“It’s been a challenging time,” said Ms Martins. “And our community has come together and persevered.”