To the editor:

Aidan Graham will surely be missed by the people of Bristol.

Two years ago, Aidan reached out to Michele Martins, who was the General Chairman of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee at that time, to offer the Committee use of his retail space on the corner of Hope Street and State Street free of charge. For the past two years, the 4th of July Committee has occupied that space for our Souvenir retail store from May through July.

The space/store was a huge hit, not only with the people of Bristol but also with visitors to our town. Our customers loved being able to easily see and touch our Souvenir products. It was quite the experience for our Souvenir Committee to own and operate a retail store. That store was very successful for the 4th of July Committee! We were and are so grateful to Aidan for offering that space to us these past two years.

Aidan never seemed to be one for recognition or praise. We finally convinced him to come to one of our general committee meetings last year to thank him and present to him one of our framed commemorative prints. You could tell he definitely did not like the limelight! We were waiting for Aidan to be back in the US for one of our general committee meetings this year so we could again present to him a print from our 237th Celebration and to thank him as a group. We never got the opportunity.

Our entire committee was shocked and saddened to learn of Aidan’s passing last week. We will be forever grateful for his generosity to our committee. Rest in Peace, Aidan, and thank you!

Heidi Vermilyea
Souvenir Chairman, Bristol Fourth of July Committee

Chuck MacDonough
2022/2023 General Chairman, Bristol Fourth of July Committee

1 Liberty Lane