The celebrations this year in Bristol were incredible. But, the parade wasn't what kicked off the Fourth of July celebration in town. It was the Patriotic exercises.
It was a packed house at the Colt school in Bristol as many were were honored. This year's Patriotic Speaker was Ira Magaziner. Magaziner worked with former President Bill Clinton in launching the William Clinton Foundation and is involved in many local programs here in Rhode Island.
Magaziner said at the celebration, "On behalf of everyone here, I would like to extend my thanks to the great men and women of America's armed forces who risk and continue to risk their lives to support our nation and its ideals throughout the world."
Chief Marshal Tony Texeira was presented with an American flag that flew on the USS Constitution in Boston.
One Bristol native traveled was recognized for traveling the farthest to be a part of the celebrations, more than 10-thousand miles, all the way from Australia.
