The 233rd patriotic exercises were emotional as spectators gathered in front of Colt School at 8:30 am to celebrate the hard work and dedication of countless Bristol community and military members.

Recipient of the 2018 Hattie Brown award Steve Skuba was honored for his civic duty throughout the years, helping to coach youth soccer in Bristol and serving on several town committees, including the Parent Assistant to the Bristol High School Band and East Bay Wind Ensemble.

“Community service to me is helping others without any expectation of reward. This is what this town was built on,” Skuba said.

This year’s Patriotic Speaker, retired Captain Dick Devault, touched on the importance of separating nationalism versus patriotism, encouraging attendees to embrace love for where they came from without denouncing others in the process.

“Love comes without hate,” Devault said. “Constructive patriotism takes work.”

Sergeant First Class Thomas Daly was also honored, joking with the crowd about getting “VIP” treatment for he and his prized companion of 18 years, Becky the Bear—whom he forgot during last year’s campaign.

“Becky wanted to me to tell you she forgives you,” Devault jokingly told Daly.

Tears were shed as Kathy Bazinet rounded out the honorees, sharing her family’s journey to Bristol and the joy and appreciation she feels for their sacrifices.

“I know they are glowing in honor of this special day with me,” she said through a standing ovation as she was named the 2018 Chief Marshal.

Attendees clapped along to ‘God Bless America’ as the ceremony ended, reveling in the true spirit that the patriotic exercises offer.