To the editor,

According to Webster’s Dictionary, a volunteer is a person who works for an organization without being paid. I have been a member of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee since 2013 and worked alongside 115 other volunteers that miraculously continue a 240-year tradition of Patriotic Exercises, a 2- & 1/2-mile parade (that continued despite COVID) and a Concert Series at Independence Park. The concert series started with the East Bay Summer Wind Ensemble at Colt School in the mid-1970s. The concerts remained there until 2007 and were moved to Independence Park in 2008, back to Colt School in 2009, and since 2010 at Independence Park.  

The members of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee have over 20 individual fundraisers per year, plus the task of soliciting sponsorships, and suppling the manpower of basket collections at the concerts and during the parade. Let’s not forget the LARGEST task of planning a PARADE.

The members of this committee put in hundreds of volunteer hours each year for the love of the celebration. The committee makes decisions that are dedicated to continue these traditions.  We are already in motion to begin planning the upcoming year before most people have taken their decorations down from the current year's celebration.  

The vote that was made at the November 19th meeting was made with the information and guidance that was shared with the committee.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion; I absolutely encourage freedom of speech but please remember this committee works year-round and gives 100% to continue the longest, continuous celebration in the nation and does NOT deserve the recent disrespectful public scrutiny.

If you want to join us, we are taking applications for membership through February 1. Please visit our website fourthofjulybristolri.com and remember you will be spending your Fourth of July without your family and friends, instead continuing this historic celebration.

In the Spirit of the Fourth,

Michele Martins
Past Chairman 2020-2021