I have a granddaughter who is in the U.S. Navy and attached to a submarine. She entered right after she graduated high school in 2019. She was the first female in RI to pass the nuclear test to go to through Boot Camp to Navy nuclear school and graduate from that and become a nuclear mech on a sub. So every day she is in our thoughts and hearts and prayers. Not just on the 4th of July!
Ed I felt exactly as you did. It was very emotional and brought back a lot more precious memories that teared me up as well. I was fortunate enough to sit in front of Benjamin Church Manor which gave me an excellent view which I thought was So Beautiful. The floats were Amazing. The Military Bands out did themselves. Mt. Hope School band and let's not forget the Bristol Police Dept. and Bristol Fire Dept.. Tomb of the unknown Soldier etc. etc.
The only disappointing problem was Bristol Residents could not view it on their TV's. I found out thru Dave Scarpino it was on You Tube.
The July Fourth Committee is in charge of that.
The Festival Committee has a meeting tonight and I already told Dave this has to change.
Your narrative of the Parade was so well written as usual. Thanks, Ed.
Thanks, Ruthie. You reminded me of much more I could have written. Overall, a great year for the parade. I wonder if it gave some spectators, hopefully many, pause about our past, and our future. It certainly did for me.
Thank you for your lovely depiction of the Bristol Parade. I've never attended although my mom was born and brought up in Bristol and attended every one (RIP) However upon reading your experiences I feel I've been there. So I culled different reactions inspired by your question at the end.
SOME RESPONSES TO FEELINGS ABOUT THE FOURTH OF JULY~ 2024
-still love America -proud -lots of separation - always conflict -still fight for independence -
-it’s to remind people of sacrifices- teach how folks fought for the country - younger generation have -no idea
-get to get together with family
-reflection of what is in common - showing pride in America
-passing it all down to children
-brings positive vibes
-politics religion gender - should not divide us
-division in families - especially kids who’ve gone to college
-bringing hope for more unity
-respect each other
-fun competitions - hot dogs - corn dogs
-would like to be able to talk with each other
-all in it together -we can believe in different things
-everyone still wears the same red white and blue colors
-REACTIONS of YOUNGER GENERATION - TO WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE FOURTH
-no idea
-because Columbus sailed ocean blue
-don’t even know what that is
-signing of declaration of independence/ Christopher Columbus
-civil war end of slavery
-celebrate independence of our nation
celebrating rights and privileges US folks have
-don’t take what the US has for granted
there is no freedom - no real freedom ——————————————————————————————————
-there so much in common than what makes us different
-while our country has major flaws I’m still grateful for being born here
-of course I celebrate - it’s the birthday of our country with flaws but still the greatest country
-if you can’t celebrate something unless it’s perfect that’s bad news - you’re never going to celebrate anything.
Thank you, Ed, for a remarkable commentary on this year's Bristol Parade within the context of the political turmoil that has rocked this country in recent years and threatens our experiment in democracy. I remember a number of Parades when our family would sit on the curb with our kids and watch the various participants march or walk by us. The one I'll always remember is when Mayor Cianci was leading the parade and someone yelled "Boo," causing him to spin 360 degrees to find the culprit...who may have been a member of my family. I mention this because it symbolizes the gift of living in a free society that may be altered by those who seek an imperial presidency. May we continue to enjoy many more Bristol Parades under democratic principles and values.
Great memories of an American institution, Larry. With the recent events, patriotism will, hopefully, rear its head and people will realize how much we need to come together. This year's Bristol parade was symbolic for me.
I have always wanted to watch that parade in person, but never got there. Too far away, too much traffic, to crowded, etc., etc.
I remember my Papa saying to my brother Jim and I one evening "Get your coats on, we are going to the parade. We did, and rode the bus (or maybe it was a trolley) to down-town Providence. After arriving we disembarked and started to walk through the city, stopping to look at all the store displays.
I asked my Pop " When is the parade starting?" He replied, "We are the parade!" Which at the time was very disappointing! But as I grew older, I understood exactly what he meant. Everyone in the city at that time was parading to or from Movie theaters , Gibsons, restaurants, etc. He was always teaching us by experiencing it ourselves! Wonderful memories of the times and fun things he used to do with us!
Your essay was poignant, timely and necessary in 2024. Thank you saying what many of us feel. You also captured the thrill and joy of a parade. I wish everyone could experience the feeling.
What a joy to read your about your 2024 Bristol parade…and on High St.! Memories!
I’ve not been able to see a parade for years since old age has curtailed such a pleasure.
We also lived on High St. and know the wonderful convenience it was, especially for my family of six young ones and more so to allow my stroke-ridden dad a perfect viewing porch!
Ed, Mary said it all! I did attend the parade many, many years ago and it was all that you described. Bristol represents all the towns in America that celebrate the 4th with parades and fireworks. America has endured through many difficult times and will in the future.
For many years I begged my dad to take us to the Bristol parade. His comment was, “Leave Bonnet Shores on a sweltering hot day and stand along the parade route, no way!” Thanks to you, however,
Al and I did get to experience the Bristol parade years later with many of your Classical classmates. This event is part of Americana that one should try to experience in their lifetime.
It's 2:30 in the morning and I woke up realizing the very poor example I used when expressing our democratic freedoms. I was "too clever by half" while writing about our eight year old's response at the parade. I apologize to you, Ed, and your readers for the inadvertently offensiveness of my remark.
I have a granddaughter who is in the U.S. Navy and attached to a submarine. She entered right after she graduated high school in 2019. She was the first female in RI to pass the nuclear test to go to through Boot Camp to Navy nuclear school and graduate from that and become a nuclear mech on a sub. So every day she is in our thoughts and hearts and prayers. Not just on the 4th of July!
You must, and should, be very proud of her, Natalie.
Indeed I am! I took care of her from the time she was 6 months old. She was always amazing!
Ed I felt exactly as you did. It was very emotional and brought back a lot more precious memories that teared me up as well. I was fortunate enough to sit in front of Benjamin Church Manor which gave me an excellent view which I thought was So Beautiful. The floats were Amazing. The Military Bands out did themselves. Mt. Hope School band and let's not forget the Bristol Police Dept. and Bristol Fire Dept.. Tomb of the unknown Soldier etc. etc.
The only disappointing problem was Bristol Residents could not view it on their TV's. I found out thru Dave Scarpino it was on You Tube.
The July Fourth Committee is in charge of that.
The Festival Committee has a meeting tonight and I already told Dave this has to change.
Your narrative of the Parade was so well written as usual. Thanks, Ed.
Thanks, Ruthie. You reminded me of much more I could have written. Overall, a great year for the parade. I wonder if it gave some spectators, hopefully many, pause about our past, and our future. It certainly did for me.
Thank you for your lovely depiction of the Bristol Parade. I've never attended although my mom was born and brought up in Bristol and attended every one (RIP) However upon reading your experiences I feel I've been there. So I culled different reactions inspired by your question at the end.
SOME RESPONSES TO FEELINGS ABOUT THE FOURTH OF JULY~ 2024
-still love America -proud -lots of separation - always conflict -still fight for independence -
-it’s to remind people of sacrifices- teach how folks fought for the country - younger generation have -no idea
-get to get together with family
-reflection of what is in common - showing pride in America
-passing it all down to children
-brings positive vibes
-politics religion gender - should not divide us
-division in families - especially kids who’ve gone to college
-bringing hope for more unity
-respect each other
-fun competitions - hot dogs - corn dogs
-would like to be able to talk with each other
-all in it together -we can believe in different things
-everyone still wears the same red white and blue colors
-REACTIONS of YOUNGER GENERATION - TO WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE FOURTH
-no idea
-because Columbus sailed ocean blue
-don’t even know what that is
-signing of declaration of independence/ Christopher Columbus
-civil war end of slavery
-celebrate independence of our nation
celebrating rights and privileges US folks have
-don’t take what the US has for granted
there is no freedom - no real freedom ——————————————————————————————————
-there so much in common than what makes us different
-while our country has major flaws I’m still grateful for being born here
-of course I celebrate - it’s the birthday of our country with flaws but still the greatest country
-if you can’t celebrate something unless it’s perfect that’s bad news - you’re never going to celebrate anything.
Mary, your comments were thoughtful and well received.
Yes
Thank you, Mary
Beautiful. Thank you, Mary
Thank you, Ed, for a remarkable commentary on this year's Bristol Parade within the context of the political turmoil that has rocked this country in recent years and threatens our experiment in democracy. I remember a number of Parades when our family would sit on the curb with our kids and watch the various participants march or walk by us. The one I'll always remember is when Mayor Cianci was leading the parade and someone yelled "Boo," causing him to spin 360 degrees to find the culprit...who may have been a member of my family. I mention this because it symbolizes the gift of living in a free society that may be altered by those who seek an imperial presidency. May we continue to enjoy many more Bristol Parades under democratic principles and values.
Great memories of an American institution, Larry. With the recent events, patriotism will, hopefully, rear its head and people will realize how much we need to come together. This year's Bristol parade was symbolic for me.
I have always wanted to watch that parade in person, but never got there. Too far away, too much traffic, to crowded, etc., etc.
I remember my Papa saying to my brother Jim and I one evening "Get your coats on, we are going to the parade. We did, and rode the bus (or maybe it was a trolley) to down-town Providence. After arriving we disembarked and started to walk through the city, stopping to look at all the store displays.
I asked my Pop " When is the parade starting?" He replied, "We are the parade!" Which at the time was very disappointing! But as I grew older, I understood exactly what he meant. Everyone in the city at that time was parading to or from Movie theaters , Gibsons, restaurants, etc. He was always teaching us by experiencing it ourselves! Wonderful memories of the times and fun things he used to do with us!
Great story. I wish I knew your Dad.
They broke the molds when my Mom and Pop were made! They were unique, wonderful, loving parents!
No surprise
Your essay was poignant, timely and necessary in 2024. Thank you saying what many of us feel. You also captured the thrill and joy of a parade. I wish everyone could experience the feeling.
Paul
Paul, I have hope that Americans will come forward.
What a joy to read your about your 2024 Bristol parade…and on High St.! Memories!
I’ve not been able to see a parade for years since old age has curtailed such a pleasure.
We also lived on High St. and know the wonderful convenience it was, especially for my family of six young ones and more so to allow my stroke-ridden dad a perfect viewing porch!
Thank you, Dr. Ed.
So you certainly understand the joys, Joe
Ed, thanks for putting in words so eloquently what so many of us feel at this critical point in our history.
Thank you, Roger. Yes, we are at an inflection point.
Ed, Mary said it all! I did attend the parade many, many years ago and it was all that you described. Bristol represents all the towns in America that celebrate the 4th with parades and fireworks. America has endured through many difficult times and will in the future.
For many years I begged my dad to take us to the Bristol parade. His comment was, “Leave Bonnet Shores on a sweltering hot day and stand along the parade route, no way!” Thanks to you, however,
Al and I did get to experience the Bristol parade years later with many of your Classical classmates. This event is part of Americana that one should try to experience in their lifetime.
It’s part of Bristol’s fabric. Patriotism lives here, Marilyn. Diane and I are pleased that you and Al were able to experience it with us.
Your house in Bristol was a beautiful spot. I got to experience a 4th of July celebration there and it was wonderful.
Yes, Leigh, we had many memorable times there
Thanks for a meaningful commentary; who could disagree?
Fun, exciting
Eddie thanks for brightening my day
My pleasure, Greg
Thank you!
It's 2:30 in the morning and I woke up realizing the very poor example I used when expressing our democratic freedoms. I was "too clever by half" while writing about our eight year old's response at the parade. I apologize to you, Ed, and your readers for the inadvertently offensiveness of my remark.