Congratulations to Michele Martins and Parade Chairman Chuck MacDonough for a superb July 4th Parade this year. Coming out of covid, it’s just what we needed. I’ve seen most in my 75 years, and this one was memorable for a number of reasons.

First, the wide tribute to our armed forces, veterans, MIA/POW, etc. was outstanding. While we may not have had as many active marching units, the floats and open-top vehicles with honored veterans from different wars stole the show for many, and at times was very moving. 2021 was a good year to do this.

Beginning with a rousing Singing Trooper and beautiful giant model ship up front in the Chief Marshals Division, this year reaffirmed the military part of the parade’s purpose as a “civic, military and fireman’s” parade, uniting today’s polarized citizenry around a most proper salute to freedom and liberty. Thank you.

A brainchild of Warren Fire Department Chief Jim Sousa, the sizable and proud contingent of firefighters honoring those lost on 9/11 with a hauntingly dramatic float sculpture was extraordinary and fulfilled another parade purpose, as well as giving broad tribute to all first responders. The applause for them was among the tops.

While police contingents were plentiful and well received — with our local department topping the list up front — perhaps the committee might consider more ways to help counter the disrespect police have suffered recently and help out their recruitment effort again next year. The message was there, but these days it can’t be said enough.

The shiny new commercial trucks (ELJ and Holmes, etc.) as well as the RI Corvette Club lent real pizzazz and gave new meaning to parade vehicles, sometimes contentious to the less machine-minded. Other out-of-the ordinary, vintage and hot cars that we never drive ourselves were fabulous to see and hear.

Flashy new fire trucks are always popular, but many of us miss the antiques, some still on the road. Good idea to put Disney characters in the firetrucks, broadening their appeal. Kids say keep those zany Shriners coming back forever.

While bands were a challenge this year, and we sorely missed the Mummers and drum corps, your added assortment of smaller groups was equally entertaining, Monroe Dairy carving out its own Rhode Island legacy. The Tiverton dance team was great fun. Let’s get them back.

Folk hero and “Caught in Providence” Judge Frank Caprio was the hit we expected, and it would be great to expand his people power and bring him back with a bigger message that builds on his compassion for people and respect for the law. He embodies both.

Again, thanks to the committee for a wonderful rebound. You have reasserted Bristol at the top, acknowledged again by news outlets and visitors alike as America’s most patriotic town, looking great with freshly painted street lines, hanging red begonia baskets and a newly paved High Street. Well done and best of luck in 2022.

DeWolf Fulton
Bristol