Nation's Oldest July 4 Parade Steps Off In Bristol

Thousands turned out in Bristol on Thursday to watch America's oldest continuous 4th of July Parade.

Area residents, visitors, local and state leaders all turned out for the event featuring marching bands, drum corps, first responders, military units and floats.

The annual Independence Day celebration was first held in 1785 when the Reverend Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church and a Veteran of the Revolutionary War conducted the first Patriotic Exercises.

(Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)