Above: Michael Rielly, left, took over as Town Crier during Flag Day ceremonies on the Town Common Sunday evening. Gerry MacNeill held the position since 1991.

"Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye."

Ringing his bell and calling out his familiar greeting, Town Crier Gerry MacNeill called the crowd to attention at the beginning of Flag Day Sunday evening the way he has for patriotic events throughout the town for more than 20 years. But this time, his call had special meaning. Immediately after drawing the crowd's focus on the Town Common, Mr. MacNeill retired his post, turning over his bell to new Town Crier Michael Rielly.

"There's a time to start and a time to finish. This is my time to finish," Mr. MacNeill said.

Mr. Rielly said he is thrilled to take over the position that is something of a family tradition. The lifelong Bristolian's grandfather, James D. Rielly, rang the bell for 15 years, retiring in 1989.

"It's surreal that 40 years later, I take over," Mr. Rielly said. "The fact that I'm now doing this and trying to fill his shoes, it's exciting but a little surreal."

Mr. MacNeill, 81, after taking over for Anthony Marino in 1991, has served in the position longer than any other Town Crier in the modern era.

“It was an honor to serve,” he said. “I’ll miss the overall excitement of the event. It was always new; always different. I’ve had a lot of fun in Bristol. There have been a lot of great memories.”