To the editor:

Well, we just completed another year, 238 annual celebrations under our collective belt, and we will start looking at number 239 real soon. As I stroll into September, I will provide my final report to the Fourth of July Committee, at least as a General Chairman. Looking back, I made some mistakes, made some good decisions for the future, although my final grade will be in the hands of others and what history remembers to say.

Thank you to the countless numbers of folks, who said thank you to me yesterday in the parade, it makes today a little bittersweet.

The memories that loom large, is the smiles of the men and women in uniform, as they experienced such an outward appreciation for what they do, and for our veterans for what they did.

Our Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade was quite amazing, thanks to Camille Teixeira, and the other committee members and the many volunteers. There are too many folks to list, but to all of you thank you.

To our Chief Marshal, Steve Contente, I appreciate you accepting, and I commend you for the wonderful example you showed as Chief Marshal. Your interaction with our military was spot on, and there is no doubt they all want to come back next year!

To the citizenry of Bristol, thank you. Your generosity of love and support will keep our celebration going forever.

To our police, who make our community the safest in Rhode Island, you are some of the finest people I know, and you make a difference in our lives every day. It is never easy, and yet you make it seem that it is.  Thank you, Chief Lynch, and every officer under your command.

To our entire fire department under Chief DeMello, who care deeply for the community they live and work in, and who ensure that every patron in the parade is safe and healthy at the end of our 2.5 mile parade, Thank You!

To our Department of Public Works under Chris Parella, who work tirelessly to ensure our town is back in order on July 5th, and always looking its best, Thank You!

To our Town Leaders, who always lend their time and advice along the way, and always have the town’s best interest in mind, Thank You!

To East Bay Media Group and the Phoenix, thank you for being our print media partner and being such an integral part of our Democracy.

To Camille Teixeira, for the many personal sacrifices and your enduring perseverance and wicked big smile in planning the parade, it will be one I will always remember, Thank You!

Finally, to my wife Wendy, and my kids, for your help, patience, and love.

Thank You!

In the Spirit of the Fourth of July.
Chuck MacDonough
General Chairman 2022/2023
Bristol Fourth of July Committee
3 Polk Ct