Happy Independence Day! America is 242 years young! I have tons of July 4th memories, but my fondest has to be July 4, 1976- the Bicentennial, 200 years of the USA.
The Bicentennial had been planned for a long time. I was 20-years-old in 1976, but I remember talk of the Bicentennial since I was a kid, and how it was going to be a major event and the party to end all parties. the year 2000 was the closest event to look forward to, but 2000 seemed like a sci-fi long time away, whereas the Bicentennial was within reach.
It was a Sunday and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Crystal blue, bight sunshine, no humidity, warm but not scorching hot. A perfect day on a day looked forward to for so long.
On TV, there were the Tall Ships sailing into New York harbor, right by the Statue of Liberty. The Phillies were playing a doubleheader in Pittsburgh with the then hated rival Pirates ( twin bills were common on summer holidays like the 4th of July). They split the two games.
Red, white and blue was everywhere. Patriotic themes abounded. July 4th always meant picnics, cook-outs, parades, fireworks. This year, America's 200th birthday, was extra special. You wanted the day to go on forever. It was the middle of summer. You didn't want to think about the holiday ending. Labor Day seemed so far away.
There was a real wagon train crossing the country from Oregon to Valley Forge, and he came thru town that day. I remember sitting at the curb on Church St. ad Starr St., watching the parade. Later in the afternoon there would be a million people in Valley Forge Park, as then President Ford would speak. The Boy Scouts also had a huge jamboree in the Park.
In the evening we headed for a gigantic fireworks show at Friendship Field, I remember sitting in the back of our creme-colored station wagon, gazing up at the endless night sky,
I didn't know it then but that would be my dad's last July 4th. It turned out to be even more special. I recall the day just being so damn happy for everyone. No worries about war, the economy, gas prices, politics, sports. It was a day where everyone was united. no matter what race, color, religion or gender. More than any other time, America seemed to be one together. Who knew that the Iran hostage ordeal would occur a few years later. Jimmy Carter would be elected President in November. Dr. J. would soon be headed to Philly.The Eagles still sucked. I was in love with figure skater Dorothy Hamill. Barry Manilow was hot with "Weekend In New England." The movie Jaws would scare the hell out of people.
Living near historical Philadelphia was special as well. The Bicentennial was stressed even more since we lived in the backyard of where the country started. Back then one could visit the Liberty Bell in a special pavilion near Independence Hall and actually touch the bell. So cool being that close and touch a part of history.
I looked back at the Bicentennial with fondness. I had graduated high school the year before. So much of life was ahead, both scary and exciting times. and now, 42 years later, I look forward to every summer and every Independence Day, knowing they are dwindling down to a precious few.Now I'm looking forward to July 4, 2026- the 250th birthday of America. They are working on getting the World Cup, Super Bowl, All-Star Games, NCAA Finals and more to Philly.
For a sports fan it will be a wear to remember. For everyone, it was be a 4th of July to cherish..again.
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