SENATE RESOLUTION JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING AND HONORING THE 240TH BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island Senate celebrates Bristol's 240th Fourth of July, honoring organizers and volunteers for maintaining the oldest continuous U.S. Independence Day celebration since 1785.

06/12/2025 Senate read and passed

Overview

Bill Type: Senate Resolution (not a law)

Bill Number: SR 1151

Title: Senate Resolution joyously celebrating and honoring the 240th Bristol Fourth of July Celebration

State: Rhode Island

Introduced: June 12, 2025

Status: June 12, 2025 – Senate read and passed; recommended for immediate consideration

Sponsor/Introduced By: Senators Ujifusa, Felag, Lauria, Britto, Raptakis, Zurier, Tikoian, Bissaillon, LaMountain, and Urso

Classification: Resolution (ceremonial)

Purpose and Intent

To recognize and celebrate Bristol’s long-standing Fourth of July tradition.

To highlight Bristol as the site of the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States, dating back to 1785.

To honor the community’s organizers, volunteers, and participants who contribute to the 240th celebration in 2025, including the Bristol Fourth of July Committee and leadership figures.

Key Provisions

Celebration Endorsement: The Rhode Island Senate joyously celebrates and honors the 240th Bristol Fourth of July Celebration.

Acknowledgment of Efforts: Recognizes the work of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee and hundreds of volunteers who organize and support the event.

Appointed Persons Recognized: Names and acknowledges specific individuals associated with the 2025 celebration:

Camille Teixeira, General Chair of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Captain Dick Devault, 2025 Chief Marshal
Ava Valenzuela, Miss Fourth of July
Scarlett Tucker, Little Miss Fourth of July

Transmission of Esteem: The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of the resolution to the named individuals.

Affected Parties and Impact

Primary Beneficiaries: The Bristol Fourth of July Committee, volunteers, and community participants who contribute to the annual celebration.

Symbolic/Non-Binding Nature: As a resolution, the measure is ceremonial and expresses state appreciation rather than creating enforceable duties or appropriations.

Public Acknowledgment: Provides formal recognition by the Rhode Island Senate and official transmission to honorees.

Procedural and Timeline Context

Context: The resolution emphasizes a historic milestone—the 240th annual Bristol Fourth of July celebration in 2025.

Legislative Path: Senate passed the resolution on June 12, 2025, after being recommended for immediate consideration.

Next Steps: If applicable, the resolution would proceed through the usual chamber process for concurrent approval or be transmitted to relevant offices as a ceremonial acknowledgment. No monetary provisions or statutory changes are included.

Background

Bristol has hosted the Fourth of July celebration since 1785, making it the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States.

The 2025 observance includes concerts, cultural events, visiting ships, and the renowned Fourth of July Parade, continuing a longstanding local tradition.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, the general public, or local Bristol stakeholders) or add direct excerpts from the resolution text.

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