Fourth of July Celebration - 2008 Patriotic Speaker

The Bristol Fourth of July Celebration did not start with a parade or a fireworks display. Instead, it started with a simple patriotic exercise in 1785. Historical records tell us that Rev. Henry Wright gave the first oration. Although the Celebration has grown by leaps-and-bounds from its humble beginnings, the traditional Patriotic Exercises are held each year on the morning of the Parade. The person who will carry on this Tradition as the 223rd Patriotic Speaker is Dr. William F. Bundy.

Dr. William F. 'Will' Bundy is a Research Professor at the U.S. Naval War College where he teaches graduate scholar-warriors and conducts research on emerging warfare concepts. Dr. Bundy earned his Doctor of Philosophy Degree at Salve Regina University, a Master of Arts Degree with Distinction at the U.S. Naval War College and undergraduate degrees at the University of Hawaii and Leeward Community College. He is a graduate of the Baltimore City College where he played varsity football and lacrosse before entering the U.S. Navy.

Dr. Bundy served in the Navy as a career submarine officer. He served in seven submarines including nuclear attack, nuclear fleet ballistic missile and diesel attack submarines. He served as the third African-American naval officer to command a submarine with the distinction of being the first to advance from the enlisted ranks to earn a commission and become a submarine skipper. He is one of the Centennial Seven African-American submarine skippers who served during the first 100 years of the U.S. Navy Submarine Service. During his service in the Navy, Dr. Bundy earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, the Navy Commendation Medal with Silver Star indicating six awards, and 12 other personal awards, campaign medals, unit commendations and service awards. Dr. Bundy participated in Submarine Strategic Deterrent Patrols and saw Navy expeditionary service in Atlantic and Pacific Fleet submarines during his 30 year career.

After retiring from active naval service, Dr. Bundy was appointed as the Director of the State of Rhode Island Department of Transportation where he introduced Intelligent Transportation Systems, established a transportation program office and was recognized for his leadership during a severe winter. It was during Dr. Bundy's tenure as Director of RIDOT that the red, white and blue stripes, that commemorate Bristol's 4th of July celebration, were approved by the U.S. Congress. This special recognition for Bristol was adopted into law based on Dr. Bundy's recommendation to Senator John Chafee who introduced the amendment to the National Highway Bill. Dr. Bundy returned to service as a civilian in the Department of the Navy after employment with Fleet Boston Financial.

Dr. Bundy has served as Commander of the Rhode Island Military Order of Foreign Wars, as a member of the U.S. Lacrosse Rhode Island Chapter Executive Board and is a LaSalle Academy Regent. He was the head coach of the Seahawks and Bulldogs youth lacrosse teams and was the head coach of the 2004 Rhode Island U.S. Lacrosse Youth Festival team. Dr. Bundy was recognized as the 1993 Black Engineer of the Year for Achievement in Government and earned the 1994 U.S. Navy League Dalton L. Baugh Award for Inspirational Leadership.

Dr. Bundy is married to the former Jeanne Pacheco of Bristol, Rhode Island. They are the parents of Lieutenant Commander William F. Bundy, Jr., U.S. Navy and Raymond M. Bundy. Daughter Andrena M. Seawood resides in Virginia with her husband Rev. Dwight Seawood and their son Matthew.

William Jr. is a graduate of LaSalle Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Business School. Will Jr. serves as the chief engineer officer in USS HAMPTON, a nuclear attack submarine based in San Diego, where he resides with his wife Kara. Raymond is a 2008 graduate of LaSalle Academy where he earned honors as an All-State football player and also played varsity lacrosse. Raymond was recruited to play Division I football at Bryant University where he will enter the School of Business in the fall.

The Bundy Family attends Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and resides in Bristol.

We salute Dr. Will Bundy for his many achievements and service to the nation.!