“This is a glorious day,” began Fourth of July Committee General Chairman Fran O’Donnell, greeting the crowd of spectators gathered in front of Colt Memorial School this morning.

They were joined by town and state elected officials, servicemen and women, members of the clergy and leaders of the community in celebration of the 234th Patriotic Exercises, the oldest celebration of its kind in the nation.

“This morning’s straightforward exercise holds its place in U.S. history by reflecting our determination to support the Constitution and promote our way of life,” said Town Administrator Steven Contente.

It is something that Rhode Islanders have historically been known to do, said Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, dating back to when they became the first of the 13 colonies to declare independence on May 4, 1776.

“What we celebrate here on July 4 is the anniversary of the other colonies realizing that Rhode Island was doing the right thing and we ought to do it too,” he joked.

Ever since, a countless number of military members have devoted their service and lost their lives preserving our country’s freedom. Some were recognized during the morning’s exercies, including the commanding officer of the visiting ship USS Tornado, Lt. Commander Brian Stueber; Sgt. First Class Thomas Daly, Korean War Veteran; ret. Master Sgt. Chris Corbin, as well, and his close friend and the killed-in-action Army First Sgt., P. Andrew McKenna.

Though the day is traditionally spent honoring these servicemen and women, Patriotic Speaker Ryder Ferris acknowledged that there are plenty of other ways that people can demonstrate patriotism within their communities and help to make the world around them a better place.

“In my eyes, a patriot votes, a patriot is active in their community, and a patriot is positive,” he advocated.

The Hattie Brown Award recipients, Brett and Jenn Mancieri, both well demonstrated those attributes, with Mrs. Mancieri achieving life member status with the Bristol Fire Department and Mr. Mancieri receiving a Medal of Valor for his efforts involving a 2001 automobile accident in the bay.

Yet as they all continue to go on celebrating this important day, Chief Marshal Jim Farley urged his fellow community members to remember that while they may all come from different backgrounds, they all need to work together “to keep the American dream alive.”

“Harmony may not always be easy, but as long as respect and kindness prevail, it is possible,” he said.

He asked the crowd to join him in singing along as he closed with a verse from America the Beautiful, written by Katharine Lee Bates

“America! America! God shed His grace on thee / And crown thy good with brotherhood / From sea to shining sea!”