Our country, our state, and some of our towns are gearing up to celebrate America’s 250 birthday and the signing of The Declaration of Independence in 1776. Many of us remember our country’s bicentennial in 1976, an exciting time of Tall Ships, parades and much pomp and circumstance. In Bristol, we have a robust 250 Commission assigned with the task of creating our own celebrations and we are very much looking forward to involving the entire community, with a weekly feature called 250 Words of Joy. The task is to ask yourself, What gives you joy?….and to write 250 words to be featured in the paper. The Phoenix will feature one per week. We are looking for all age groups to tap into their creativity and write an essay, micro short story, poem, or reflections. Let’s get a good start towards what we know will be a memorable celebration in our beautiful town! Please send submissions to cnadalin@eastbaymediagroup.com.

Christopher Raymond Perry: father of the commodores
In 1776, Christopher Perry appeared before his Quaker father, in the gay scarlet and gold colored uniform of the “Kingstown Reds.” It must have been a shock for this staunch pacifist to see his 15-year-old son prepared to fight as a soldier for his country in the War of Independence. Preferring sea life, Christopher then served aboard a privateer vessel but was captured and imprisoned. He managed to escape and immediately boarded another privateer ship to fight the British. He again was captured and served prison time in Ireland. Disguised as a British sailor he escaped and returned to his home country.

In 1783, the Revolutionary War being concluded, Christopher returned to Ireland working as a mate on a merchant ship. On his return trip to America, he fell in love with a young Irish lass. Upon arrival in Philadelphia, they married and lived in Rhode Island. Christopher and his wife provided strict discipline and education for eight children.
Christopher also passed along his love of sailing, as all five sons served in the Navy and two of the three daughters married Navy officers. After the War, Christopher Perry became a Captain and commanded the frigate General Greene, constructed in Warren. Christopher’s role in the Revolutionary War was less important than his role as a father, who is credited with the success of his son, Commodore Oliver Perry, in the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813 and another son, Commodore Matthew Perry, who opened Japan to world trade in 1854.

- Matthew C. Perry