This year, the biggest celebration in the “Most Patriotic Town in America” will be more than just a party. While it will surely have its fair share of revelry, the 231st Bristol Fourth of July …
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This year, the biggest celebration in the “Most Patriotic Town in America” will be more than just a party. While it will surely have its fair share of revelry, the 231st Bristol Fourth of July Parade will also pay homage to local heroes who are no longer with us, in particular, three who died too soon.
Bristol Police Officer Richard Jean-Georges, Bristol Fire Department Deputy Chief Frank Sousa and Army Green Beret 1st Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna all died under tragic circumstances last summer. Officer Jean-Georges drowned in June trying to save his brother in the waters off Costa Rica while on vacation with his family. Chief Sousa died in a car accident on Metacom Avenue in August. And Sgt. McKenna was killed while defending his Camp Integrity base in Kabul, Afghanistan last August.
The three men — along with all Bristolians who died in service to the community — will be top of mind when the parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. Monday, according to Parade Chairwoman Fran O’Donnell.
“I can’t imagine the loss personally for their families, but it was also a big loss for the town,” Ms. O’Donnell said. “This parade is not just a holiday. It is our way of honoring those who serve and protect. Without their service, our lives would be very different.”
The families of Sgt. McKenna, Chief Sousa and Officer Jean-Georges will all march in the Chief Marshal’s division at the front of the parade, which is officially known as the “Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade.”
“I thought it was poignant that all three were right in a row,” Ms. O’Donnell said. “This is for the town of Bristol to be able to thank them. It’s not really recognizing only them. It’s recognizing what they stand for. It is up to us to thank them as frequently as we can.”
It won’t be all heavy hearts Monday when the cannon blast and military flyover by the RI National Air Guard C-130s signal the start of the parade on Hope Street at Chestnut Street. Five divisions of bands, floats, military and veterans’ tributes, antique fire trucks and more will wind their way down Hope Street, taking a sharp turn on High Street and completing the 2.5-mile course at the Town Common.
The lineup includes 17 floats, 19 bands and drum corps, military and veterans groups marching in formation, the crew of the USS Arlington, which will be docked off Bristol’s coast, militia groups firing muskets and cannons, a smattering of politicians, among other features. There’s no telling exactly how long the parade will be, but in consideration for the marchers and the spectators, Ms. O’Donnell has tried to shorten its duration from the multi-hour affair it’s been in the past.
“I’ve eliminated some vehicles and we’re hoping to eliminate any gaps,” Ms. O’Donnell said. “I’m shortening the parade any way I can. Hopefully, it’ll move a little quicker.”
Hot weather can take a toll on spectators and marchers, many of whom wear heavy wool uniforms and carry weighty instruments or muskets. But, she may not need to worry too much about heat stroke. Long-range forecasts are calling for clear, sunny skies with temperatures only in the low 80s Monday, music to General Chairwoman Donna Falcoa’s ears.
“Everything is set to go and the weather is looking good,” Ms. Falcoa said. “We’re going to have a great time and it’s going to be a beautiful day. I think someone is looking out for us.”