On Monday morning I’ll be proudly marching in the Bristol Fourth of July parade—the oldest continuous parade of its kind in America. I’ll also march in the more eccentric Glocester Ancients and Horribles parade later on Monday. Together the parades are representative of the fierce independent streak and diversity that runs through Rhode Island.
The Fourth is a reminder that we are lucky to have as heritage here the capable spirit of the Colonists, who first believed that government should be representative of the people.
So it’s fitting that the official Rhode Island election season gets underway around July Fourth, when we celebrate these values and ideals of our democracy.
I’m impressed that so many are running for office in Rhode Island this year. It’s one of our country’s strengths that those who want to get involved in its governance have the opportunity to get their name on the ballot. It’s democracy in action.
Enjoy your July Fourth holiday!