Letter: This Fourth of July experience was unforgettable

Posted 7/31/20

Here we are, almost four weeks out from a terrific Independence Day celebration, and I am still overwhelmed with feelings of pride and gratitude! As this year’s Hattie Brown recipient, it …

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Letter: This Fourth of July experience was unforgettable

Posted

Here we are, almost four weeks out from a terrific Independence Day celebration, and I am still overwhelmed with feelings of pride and gratitude! As this year’s Hattie Brown recipient, it was by far one of the most memorable experiences of my lifetime.

I would first like to thank the entire Bristol Fourth of July Committee for going above and beyond to make this parade happen, despite all the challenges. Without hesitation, they made sound decisions to carry on our tradition while keeping our community safe. As they say, the show must (and did) go on!

Not many people realize the time and energy that the committee members — all volunteers— put into these wonderful festivities for all of us to enjoy. I would personally like to thank Michele Martins for being a true “Leader of the Pack.” I have never met a more determined, positive person; a true champion of our town who is amazing at all she does.

I have never been more honored then to share this special occasion with the wonderful Chief Marshal Suzanne Magaziner and the well decorated Patriotic Speaker, Captain Mark Turner. The Patriotic Exercises were a first for me, and Mark’s speech was awe-inspiring. In fact, I have never heard a more powerful voice. He really did his homework when speaking about beautiful Bristol, and I too share in his hope for its future.

This is a memory I will cherish forever, especially the look on my father’s face as he stood so tall and proud. I know my mother was smiling from the heavens above.

To be from Bristol is not just any old “thing,” it’s a spirit that runs deep in all of us.  I would loved to have met the honorable Hattie Brown in person, and I am humbled to receive such a prestigious award in her name. This whole experience makes me more passionate then ever to continue helping others for as long as I live.

Together, we can make this world a better place.  

Sincerely, one very proud Bristolian.

Keri Ann Davock
Bristol

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Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.