President Trump last night threw an 80th birthday party for himself to “kick off” our country’s 250th birthday. After enduring a bloody fight on the south lawn and nearly naked men “stretching out” inside the historic residence…one needs to look back 50 years to how the United States Bicentennial was observed.
America’s 200th birthday was one of the largest national celebrations in U. S. history and involved years of preparation. Excitement was generated in communities across the country where parades, festivals, concerts and fireworks displays were big attractions.
Nations from around the world participated with over 200 ships gathered in New York harbor which brought together millions of spectators who watched the tall ships sail past the Statue of Liberty. A train known as “The American Freedom Train” toured from 1975-1976 to all 48 contiguous states. The train carried historic treasures such as important documents, artifacts and works of art so Americans across the country could see them.
The celebration came shortly after the end of the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal. There are some similarities between 1976 & 2026 such as economic concerns, international tensions, political controversy and questions about national identity. The biggest difference is that today’s partisan divide is deeper than it was in 1976.
Red, white and blue decorations throughout the country helped create a patriotic environment. President Gerald Ford played a quiet role leading many official ceremonies.