2026 -- H 8606

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LC006423

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING THE 241ST BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND

RECOGNIZING THE 2026 HONOREES

     Introduced By: Representatives Donovan, Place, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Speakman,
Boylan, Kennedy, Shallcross Smith, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: June 02, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, In 2026, the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American

independence; and

     WHEREAS, Since 1785, the Town of Bristol has proudly hosted the oldest continuous

Fourth of July celebration in the United States, reflecting the community’s longstanding

commitment to civic pride and public service; and

     WHEREAS, The 241st Bristol Fourth of July Celebration will continue this remarkable

tradition in 2026, featuring concerts, cultural events, and the renowned Fourth of July Parade,

which serve as a unifying civic tradition that fosters community pride, honors the nation’s

founding principles, and brings together residents and visitors in celebration; and

     WHEREAS, The following individuals are recognized for their leadership and service in

carrying forward the proud traditions of the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration and embodying the

spirit of patriotism, community, and civic engagement:

     • Ana Barboza-Motta, General Chairwoman of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, for

her exceptional leadership and work to organize this year’s celebration; and

     • Thomas M. Carroll, 2026 Chief Marshal, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to

public service at the community, state, and national level and his civic engagement in Bristol; and

     • Bishop Bruce Alan Lewandowski, CSsR, Interfaith Speaker, for providing an inspiring

message of compassion and shared humanity across spiritual and cultural traditions; and

     • VFW Commander-in-Chief, Carol Whitmore, Patriotic Speaker, in recognition of her

36 years of distinguished service in the United States Army including her service in Iraq.

Commander Whitmore is the first woman and the first Iowan to hold the position of VFW

Commander-in-Chief; and

     • Cristina Marino, Miss Fourth of July, and Sloane Tucker, Little Miss Fourth of July,

representing the next generation’s engagement with tradition and community; and

     • Michael Hoffman, recipient of the Hattie Brown Award, for his deep and unwavering

commitment to community and charitable endeavors in grassroots service to the town and

residents of Bristol; and

     WHEREAS, This year’s celebration also features active duty US Navy and US Coast

Guard vessels in Narragansett Bay, highlighting Rhode Island’s rich maritime legacy and its

ongoing relationship with the United States Coast Guard and Navy; and

     WHEREAS, The members of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee and hundreds of

volunteers have worked diligently to make this event inclusive, joyful, and reflective of Rhode

Island’s values; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

honors the 241st Bristol Fourth of July Celebration and proudly recognizes the 2026 honorees for

their service, leadership, and embodiment of community spirit; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Ana Barboza-Motta, Thomas M. Carroll,

Bishop Bruce Alan Lewandowski, Commander Carol Whitmore, Michael Hoffman, Cristina

Marino, and Sloane Tucker.

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