Grandfather’s Legacy Lives On in Bristol | Providence News

Providence News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 2, 2026 · 1m

Michael Rielly, stepping into his family’s historic role as Bristol’s town crier, leads the nation’s oldest continuous Fourth of July parade with pride and patriotism. Descending from a legacy that includes letters from Eleanor Roosevelt and Pope John Paul II, Michael honors his grandfather’s legacy while ringing the bell and announcing events in colonial garb. For him, it’s not just a job—it’s an honor to carry on a tradition that’s been part of Rhode Island’s heartbeat since 1785, celebrating America’s spirit in a town that lives it every year. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli…