To the editor:

Rosa and I were chosen by the General Chairman, Chuck MacDonough, to be this year’s 237th Chief Marshals of the Bristol 4th of July Celebration. When Chuck came to see us in early December, we both could not believe that we were being asked to participate in this Town’s highest honor and we both cried.

This has been an unbelievable experience for me and Rosa and our entire family. I was thrilled that my brother, sister, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and their families marched with us, which proved to be very emotional for us all. Being at the patriotic exercises was very moving, as neither of us has ever participated in this time-honored tradition. Looking out from the steps of Colt School and seeing everyone waving flags was very emotional for both of us.

How do we express our heartfelt gratitude? I want to first thank Chuck, or Chuckie as my wife likes to call him, for extending us the honor of being Chief Marshals. Camille Teixeira, we love your enthusiasm and your infectious smile. This parade will forever be in our hearts and you made that for me and my family. It goes without saying that it takes a village, well what an amazing village of volunteers this town has. Everyone on this committee works extremely hard to make all the events a success. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all!

Joe and Rosa DaPonte and family
Bristol’s 237th 4th of July Celebration Chief Marshals