Tony Teixeira to Lead Fourth of July Celebration
Teixeira was named Chief Marshal on Wednesday evening at the Burnside Building in Bristol.
On Wednesday evening, nearly 100 residents, Fourth of July Committee members, friends and family of Bristol Town Councilor Antonio Teixeira watched as he was named Chief Marshal for 2012.
According to Bristol Fourth of July Committee General Chairman, Dick Devault, the choice in appointment didn't come immediately and took much thought, but when Bristol Town Councilor Antonio Teixeira came to mind, Devault knew he was the right person.
"It was not a problem identifying a worthy person, but rather, who to select from among so many," Devault said.
Devault spoke of Teixeira's accomplishments and milestones in life, highlighting his roots to both Portugal and Bristol. Devault spoke highly of Teixeira's longtime service to the Bristol and Warren education system, moving ahead in command over the years from teacher, to coach to Dean of Students at Mt. Hope High School prior to his retirement in 2009.
When Devault revealed the chief marshal in the crowded room in the Burnside Building, Teixeira, with his wife Jacqueline by his side, began tearing up with emotion.
"I am so ecstatic, humble," Teixeira began, trying to hold his composure as he spoke. "And honored, and privileged to have this honor of Chief Marshal bestowed on me and my family."
Teixeira said he was very surprised to have been asked to be the 2012 Chief Marshal, claiming that he believed the phone call he received from the chairman was a prank call.
"I felt numb and kept repeating myself," he said. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, I am honored, thank you. Thank you. That's what I kept saying. It was like, am I going to say something else?"
But humbled by his appointment, Teixeira showed true appreciation for the faith shown from the community and committee, saying, "as we all know, this is the greatest honor that can be bestowed on any Bristol resident. I am so truly honored."
And now that the announcement has been made public, Teixeira and his wife say they have the weight of secrecy off their shoulders.
"Keeping this a secret until today has been one of the most difficult things [my wife and I] have had to do," Teixeira said. "I promised the Captain I would not break the silence and there were many times we came very close to spilling the beans with our close friends and the family at home. It was very difficult not sharing the exciting news."
Just a few of Teixeira's current ventures include serving as a Bristol Town Councilor and being actively involved in his church, the town's Christmas festival, a public broadcast show known as "Caravela", and much more.
Want to know more about Teixeira? See what General Chairman Devault had to say about him at the appointment on Wednesday night.
Maria
8:11 am on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Congratulations Tony
John P. Saviano
8:22 am on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Jackie & I were so pleased Weds. night to hear of your being named Chief Marshal! As Dick Devault said" It was not a problem identifying a worthy person but rather, who to select from among so many" Working with you at Mt Hope for many years made me even more proud to know you! The great display of leadership that you bring to the Council has already started to impact Bristol & it citizens! Best of Luck to you & Jackie in this new chapter in your lives!
Richard V. Simpson
11:19 am on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Since 1826, when Col. Giles Luther became the town’s first Chief Marshal, the title of Chief Marshal is the town’s most prestigious nonelected position a Bristolian can obtain. Congratulations Tony, you merit the distinction of the title.
Antonio A Teixeira
12:40 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
I am humbled and gracious for all your comments and compliments. All my accomplishments have not come easy, but with family and many friends' support I have been able to make a difference. It is all about doing "the right thing" for unselfishness reasons.
John P. Saviano
9:33 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
Tony, Recipients like you prove just how prestigious this honor really is! Congrats. again to you & Jackie! JPS
Raymond F. Palmieri Sr.
3:10 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
They could not have chosen a better person. Tony has the integrity and character that exemplifies a true leader. Congratulations.
Debra St.Germain
10:18 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tony,
Congratulations! I believe this is a first for the Class of 1974! Wow!
One has to grow up in Bristol to understand the enormity of this honor. How very proud to have you, as our classmate, be chosen! Of course, the fact that we really have 2 representatives- Jackie being the first lady of the Fourth- is over the top!!!
My sister Carol joined me for Easter and shared this article with me. I had to write to share my joy...your joy...the whole town of Bristol's joy on your selection. Clearly the town fathers, mothers, sons and daughters chose an absolutely perfect Grand Marshall in you.
Again, my sincere congratulations to you both. I am so looking forward to returning to town to participate in this years celebration.
May the fourth stay with you!
Debbie St.Germain
Antonio A Teixeira
10:43 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Debbie - it's wonderful to hear from you - classmate! Thank you so much for your complimentary comments - it is indeed such great recognition and honor, as you put "one has to have grown up in Bristol" or have been involved in the historical celebration to have an understanding of what Fourth of July means to Bristol. My family and I are looking forward to participate in all the events and lead the Parade. I'll be looking for you.
Bob Cavanagh
9:57 pm on Saturday, June 2, 2012
I just heard the announcement on television! i have known and crossed paths with Tony's career as a legendary athlete, youth coach, high school coach, teacher and Dean of Students. I just learned through this article that he has continued to serve his community in many other capacities as well. I am not surprised. At Bristol High School and then at Mt Hope High Tony was always a role model. Tony will be congratulated by many of his fellow citizens as well as many of us from outside the Bristol Community. When I think of Tony I think of Bristol. When I think of Bristol I think of Tony! You have chosen a humble gentleman who loves his town and will represent it well as the Chief Marshal of The Bristol Fourth of July Parade. What a great choice Bristol. Congratulations to Tony and his family!
Bob Cavanagh
South Kingstown
poor richard
11:34 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Too bad Tony had to say "Oh sh*t" to lead off the parade. This was on live television!