Chief marshal named for Bristol Fourth of July celebration
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
BRISTOL, RI – Look out Bristol, there’s a new Chief Marshal in town. There was wild applause as Herculano Falcoa, known by friends as Okie, was named this year’s Chief Marshal by the Fourth of July committee.
"I never expected anything like this,” said Okie Falcoa.
Falcoa told ABC6 news he was asked two weeks prior, about receiving the honor. He said at first he was a bit shy over being placed in the spotlight, but is grateful.
"It was a hard choice at the beginning. I said, ‘Why me?’ you know?’
Chief Marshal is Bristol’s highest honor and is a longstanding tradition for the town, which has the longest continuous Fourth of July celebration in America.
The committee chair makes the selection, and this year her pick hit close to home.
"My husband!” said Donna Falcoa, general chairman. Donna Falcoa said her husband was deserving of the title, regardless of their relationship. "I put the fact that he was my husband out of the picture. And just concentrated on what he did for his community.”
Okie Falcoa has devoted more than 50 years of service to the community, much of his work with the fire department. His family was incredibly proud at the meeting.
"The hair on the back of my neck was standing up,” said Ray Falcoa, Okie’s brother. “We’re all proud of Okie tonight. Very, very proud."
