To the editor:

The 237th Fourth of July celebration has come to a close here in Bristol and the longest continuous run remains a part of our history.  But too often we take things for granted. We know we are going to wake up on the morning of the Fourth, put out our chairs and blankets along the parade route, celebrate the holiday and return to our homes for the family gatherings and cookouts.

Please take a moment to think about all that it takes to make this historic event happen. All the volunteers who put in the endless hours and tireless efforts to continue this wonderful Bristol tradition, because on July 5th they were already working on the 238th celebration and all that we come to expect to bring it together.

The town of Bristol should collectively stand up and say thank you to the Fourth of July committee and all those involved for making this holiday celebrating our independence and freedoms so very special.

I salute you.

Paul J. Salesi
Senior Chief, USN (Ret.)
249 Hope St.