When Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church conducted the first Patriotic Exercises in 1785, nobody could have imagined that simple tradition would become the foundation of the nation’s oldest continuous July 4th celebration.

Now in its 239th year, the Celebration includes many elements that Wight would not, in his wildest dreams, have imagined. But the solemn hour of recognitions and speeches held each year on the steps of the Colt School beginning at 8:30 a.m. reflects the real meaning of the holiday. Speakers including Judy Squires and Dick Devault, co-chairman of the Exercises, Town Administrator Steven Contente and Town Council Chairman Nathan Calouro introduced honored guests and dignitaries, all leading to the main event: a stirring address by the year’s Patriotic Speaker.

“Good Morning and welcome to Bristol’s 239th fourth of July,” said Contente, whose far-reaching welcome was extended to Chief Marshals Rick and Patti Baccus, local, state and federal officials, General Chair Camille Teixeira and July 4th Committee volunteers, town personnel, and the captains and crews of the visiting Coast Guard and Navy vessels. “Today we celebrate all that we have in common as Americans. We are united in our principles of freedom and our commitment for future generations.”

Squires introduced the Patriotic Speaker, Brigadier General (Ret.) Greg Ebner. Ebner graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1988. An Aviator and veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Ebner served as a platoon leader, company Executive Officer and Troop Commander with the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment. He also served with the 101st Airborne Division, Fourth Infantry Division, and the Second Armored Division. He developed expertise in the languages, cultures, politics, and militaries of the Middle East and served in Washington DC, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, and Syria, receiving numerous medals for meritorious service throughout his military career.

Ebner earned his doctorate in Arabic in Applied Linguistics from the University of Texas, and after retiring from the Army and arriving in Rhode Island, Ebner joined the faculty of the University of Rhode Island and taught Arabic. He became the assistant Commissioner of post-secondary education for the State of Rhode Island, and currently works with State leaders to create sustainable education pathways for Rhode Islanders.

“Talking about patriotism on the Fourth of July in Bristol is a bit like trying to speak on fiscal policy in front of the Federal Reserve,” Ebner said. “I’m kind of surrounded by experts.”

Ebner’s speech highlighted two elements of patriotism that aren’t often top-of-mind when it comes to this particular subject, and the more banal expressions of it like flag waving (and wearing) and shooting off fireworks.

He talked about hope and love.

“This week in Bristol family and friends have gathered to carry on not just the tradition of celebrating our independence, but to express hope on the promise of our future,” he said. “But what others may not readily see is what lies within: The love of country, community, family, and friends that undeniably illustrates Bristol’s patriotic legacy.”

“Patriotism, put simply, is love for one's country,” Ebner said. “Such love manifests itself in countless ways, but from generation to generation, Bristol has come to epitomize that special relationship.”

Ebner said that throughout the history of this nation, people have tried their best to achieve certain ideals, often falling short — but the patriot remains devoted, striving to overcome flaws and remaining ever hopeful. A true patriot will also place the country above their own professional, social, and personal desires.

“Patriotism, therefore, is not cheap,” Ebner said. “It requires the hard work of love, year after year.”

He cited the effort and determination that goes into putting together this celebration as evidence of that love and determination.

Noting that patriotism is a sentiment found around the globe, Ebner asserted that American patriotism is, in fact, unique, born of optimism and swearing allegiance not to a king or queen, but to a set of ideals. He told of how visiting military officers would come to West Point and would often ask how patriotism is taught.

“The first time we encounter that question, we're caught off guard,” he said. “It's not learned. It doesn't need to be overtly taught…We simply expect you show up on the first day with that love of country.”

“When our allies asked that question of us it was because they recognized this American patriotism is a source of national strength…that unity however cannot be taken for granted.”

Ebner emphasized that we must continue to do the work of maintaining that unity and patriotism.

“The Fourth of July is the ideal time to take stock of our progress,” he said. “We must be honest in our reflections…and we must compassionately work to address where we have fallen short of that goal, making amends for our historic wrongs and working toward the betterment of all.”

“If we honestly look for the good in those around us, see past differences and look deep into the love of country, then we can understand why we truly love America and wish to see her strong and unified as an example of hope.

“1776 marked the beginning of one of the most optimistic human endeavors of all time, founded on the belief that the people can fairly govern themselves. That experiment has become a goal of freedom-loving people around the world. Our challenge as patriots is to live up to the example.”