Taylor Part of Nation's Oldest July 4th Celebration

Bristol, a charming colonial town of approximately 22,000 people, is the proud host of the nation's oldest 4th of July celebration. USS Taylor (FFG 50) was chosen to be the visiting ship for the 221st commemoration. This year, an estimated 200,000 people made their way to this hamlet of patriotism and American spirit to participate in a celebration of our nation's independence unlike any the crew of Taylor had ever seen before.

''The city of Bristol is, without question, the most patriotic city in America,'' said Command Master Chief Robert Cote. ''The people of Bristol are fabulous hosts to our Navy. In 27 years on active duty, I have never seen it done better!''

''They exude patriotism and honor the service of the military with great pride,'' said Taylor's commanding officer, Cmdr. George Davidson Jr. ''Bristolians take every opportunity to shake your hand, thank you, and treat you as a family member. †America's oldest continuous celebration of the 4th of July is a remarkable event to witness.''

Members of Taylor's crew were invited to a multitude of receptions, special meals, and other events. The Bristol 4th of July committee hosted a luncheon the first day Taylor was in port, attended by approximately 20 members of the crew; Lt. Cmdr. Dale Maxey, Taylor's executive officer, and Lt. Andre Sadowski, supply officer, were invited to judge at the local drum corps competition, also attended by members of the crew; the town had free concerts every night; the committee put on a reception honoring the Chief Marshal of the parade, as well as a formal ball; the crew marched in the 4th of July parade; and Taylor offered public tours of the ship and hosted a reception on the last night in port.

Crewmembers were overwhelmed and appreciative of the town's hospitality and the friendliness of the local residents.

The people of Bristol were so giving and opened their homes and town to us,'' said Lt. Brigitte Aungier, Taylor's main propulsion assistant. ''I hope to return to Bristol next year with my family to celebrate our country's independence while showing appreciation for those who have gone before.''

''I think the most important feature of this port was the people,'' said FC2(SW) Bryan Webb. ''Everyone was friendly and quite a few of us were asked to go to barbecues and just unwind in people's homes. The amount of appreciation and desire to make us feel at home and comfortable was amazing.''

The 4th of July parade was a particularly proud experience for members of Taylor's crew.

''It was extremely emotional,'' said Cote. Two hundred thousand screaming people, standing ovations and when you looked at that 3-year-old child standing at attention saluting with the wrong hand while holding an American flag, it drives home the loyalty and support we have as a military. I had goose bumps the entire two and a half miles.''

''When I was marching in the parade and looked to my right and saw the command master chief getting choked up because he was so overwhelmed and proud of the 97 incredible crew members marching behind him, I knew it was a special celebration!'' said Aungier.

''(My most memorable moment was) Watching my Sailors march down the streets of Bristol with thousands of people cheering them on,'' said Davidson. ''It was a moving and powerful moment for me.''

Taylor's crew agrees that the chance to visit Bristol for a future port visit should not be missed. ''Any Navy ship that has an opportunity to go to Bristol and passes it up is missing out on the best port call in the United States,'' said Cote.