A large crowd gathered at the Town Common under sunny skies at 6 p.m. Tuesday to raise the flag and officially get the July 4th holiday in Bristol underway.

With a fresh stripe painted down the parade route the previous night and patriotic music in the air, remarks were made and local dignitaries introduced, including Patriotic Speaker Lou Cirillo and Hattie Brown winners Ken and Mary Watkinson, with a particularly warm welcome given to the 2022 Chief Marshals Joe and Rosa DaPonte who, in turn, introduced their chief aides: Cesar DaPonte, Craig DaPonte, and Emily Stallions.

“It's great to be back together,” said Town Administrator Steve Contente, admitting that the changes and challenges of recent times left him struggling to find the right words for the occasion, which he felt called for something a little more fundamental. And he found it.

“Proud is the word,” Contente said. “Proud. That's what today is. I'm proud of my police department. We're proud of our police — that's Bristol. We’re proud of our fire department…we are proud of the sewer department…I’m so proud to be here. Proud of our veterans, schools, and leagues that our kids belong to and all those volunteers — it just doesn’t stop.”

“We’re proud of you!” a gentleman from the audience called out.

“Thank you,” Contente replied. “I just kept thinking that's that's what Flag Day is, right? Our flag is is a reminder of our unity and common spirit…It is a reminder that laws are fluid. However, our principles of justice, tranquility, defense and liberty that binds each of the 50 stars are enduring…Nothing's really changed. We've been through a lot together. But in the end, that Stars and Stripes, the flag that we're all here for today, is still that common element.”

“I’m proud of all of you for being here.”