“The town of Bristol Rhode Island and the Bristol 4th of July Committee proudly welcome you to our official opening ceremonies of the 240th Fourth of July Celebration!” exclaimed Town Crier Michael Rielly at the opening of Saturday’s Flag day festivities. “As we raise our flag high let us remember all who have stood in its defense and rededicate ourselves to the ideals it represents.”

Fourth of July Committee General Chairman Camille Teixeira welcomed everyone and introduced Father Henry Zinno for the invocation.

“The early founders of the nation on this day in 1777, adopted a flag to symbolize their solidarity and defense on behalf of a new type of republic. They selected stars and stripes to speak both of colonial individuality as state rights draw drawn upon a broader field of federal identity,” he said. “Lord our God, our pledge as a people means even more in today's world on this Flag Day. Fill us with promising hope and peaceful unity as we stare at the rainy sky and starry night. Enable us to reach out further and further in the broad bands of freedom and compassion to fellow citizens of this world most in need.”

Lord, may this flag, before which we stand, be a mirror of this people and a sign of promise to others that equal justice under governing law assures progressive victory over egotism and evil. both in times of prosperity, and adversity, in times of war, and in times of peace. In our allegiance, we witness to one nation under God as a promise of what others in this world can yet become.”

Teixeira then introduced the Committee leadership including Ana Motta, Deb Rainey, Dudley Hallagan, and Patty Squatrito; followed by Little Miss 4th of July Scarlett Tucker, Miss 4th of July Ava Valenzuela and their respective courts.

Michael Rielly, this year’s Hattie Brown Award winner was recognized, as were the parade division marshals, past general chairmen, and Chief Marshals.

Town Administrator Steve Contente admitted to making a last minute change to his remarks, in the wake of the allegedly politically motivated shootings in Minnesota.

“You know, as much as we disagree, it's that flag that keeps us together, right? We may not always agree with our state reps but I admire all of them and I think they're wonderful people,” he said. “We may not all agree but we're all Americans. We have to stay together.”
Flag Day symbolizes our unity and pride in the values we hold dear. While we acknowledge that there are many diverse perspectives and opinions, we should all be proud as Americans to recite the pledge of allegiance. The flag with its beautiful red, white, and blue stands as a powerful symbol of our collective identity.”

Following the introductions of the Town Council and General Assembly members, Chief Marshal Dick Devault addressed the crowd, introducing his Chiefs of Staff, Kathy Keighley and Judy Squires; Chief Aides including his wife Lydia and daughter Amy; and Military Aides including Rick Baccus, Jerry Squatrito, Dudley Hallagan, Walter Coelho, Paul Salesi, and Karl Antonevich. Brief remarks followed, in which Devault, a 20-year veteran of the 4th of July Committee, thanked his colleagues for all they do and reflected on what a wonderful experience his affiliation with the Committee has been.