American flag hangs on Bristol tower of Mt. Hope Bridge

BRISTOL — The RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority unveiled a 30-foot flag that was hung on the Bristol tower of the Mt. Hope Bridge Thursday morning in preparation for the Fourth of July.

A ceremony to recognize the first  installation of a flag on the bridge, and to honor veterans and current military personnel for their service, was held under the bridge at the end of Old Ferry Road Thursday morning. Bristol Fourth of July Chief Marshals Gail Parella and Lisa Sienkiewicz led the crowd in a prayer and moment of silence for all those who have lost their lives, and spoke about what the American flag represents.

“The American flag, with its 13 stripes to represent the original 13 colonies, and its 50 stars, representing the 50 states in our union, is beautiful to behold,” Ms. Parella said. “The bold colors themselves are representative of our country’s great aspirations, red as a symbol of hardiness and valor, white as purity and innocence, and blue as vigilance, perseverance and justice. Our great flag weaves together many generations of Americans who believe in and continue to search for and fight for those freedoms that feed the American spirit.”

Other speakers for the event included Brigadier General David Medeiros from the Rhode Island Army National Guard, Karl Antonevich, commander of VFW post 237-Bristol. Kasim Yarn, director of the Rhode Island Office of Veteran Affairs, closed out the ceremony by reciting “I am Old Glory,” the poem that is read during retirement ceremonies for military members as they receive their flag.

RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority Executive Director Buddy Croft led the event and recognized many individuals including members of the Fourth of July Committee, Joe Diniz, the president of the Bristol Veterans Council, town and state elected officials, veterans and active military personnel as well as Peter and Carol McKenna, whose son, Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna, was killed in Afghanistan in August of 2015.