Bristol’s longstanding recognition of the Fourth of July goes far beyond an historic parade, fireworks and nightly concerts. The War of Independence is where it all began.

Seventy years ago, the Bristol Phoenix commemorated Bristol’s role in that war with a special publication (pictured here) depicting the efforts of those who fought for the rights of freedom. It described the bombardment and burning of Bristol, which occurred Oct. 7, 1775, nearly a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

That history inspired the Fourth of July Chief Marshals Association to lead the effort to install a “War of Independence” monument at Independence Park along Thames Street, which was dedicated during ceremonies on July 4, 2010, paying tribute to those Bristol residents who fought in the War of Independence. At that time, past Chief Marshal Herbie Moitoso served as chairman of the Chief Marshals Association, along with a committee that included Seraphin DaPonte, the late Roswell Bosworth Jr., Joan Roth, and Dr. Thomas Enright, among others.

“Our committee was dedicated to giving the people a brief, but impressive presentation of Bristol’s experiences during the American Revolution,” Mr. Moitoso said that day. “In a few words the story is right there on the plaque: how Bristolians of the 1770s felt about an oppressive government, how the town was burned, and how the town first celebrated independence.”

Recently, a visitor from New York City was perusing Independence Park and admiring the highly-visible monument.

“I’ve seen many grand memorials to those who died in our wars, but none so simple and instructive as the one to the citizen soldiers who won us our independence,” said Andy Humm during a leisurely stroll through the park. “The words inscribed on the War of Independence Monument didn’t just tell me about the history of Bristol and Warren in the Revolutionary War that is sadly mostly forgotten, it is movingly inscribed with the names of the local residents who served in the Continental Army.”

Mr. Humm, brother of retired Brown University Sports Information Director Chris Humm of Barrington, concluded, “Our Independence from the British Empire did not come easy. It made me hope that we will all do more to preserve and strengthen our democracy so that they will not have died in vain.”

Inscribed on the monument are the names of the 168 Bristol men who volunteered for service in the Continental Army or the Rhode Island militia in the War of Independence. The monument is located in the area of the park between Franklin and Oliver street, with Bristol Harbor in the background.