What the 250th anniversary of our country could be for those too young to remember 1976

[senseandsensibility]

From a poster on bluesky, idahobob: "I remember as a boy in 1976 the whole neighborhood turned out, painting fire hydrants as little revolutionary war dudes and the declaration of independence came through town on a special train. It was for everyone and not a political party in sight."

I was a little girl, and I remember wearing red, white and blue to our county fair and carrying a flag around proudly. In fact, I can remember passer bys laughing at me because I was marching and saluting, but I knew it was in good fun. There wasn't a hint of partisanship. I can attest to that.

Anyone else have memories of 1976 celebrations and how they differ from today's trump organized debacle?

[Irish_Dem]

1. We were all united in pride and love of our country.

The feeling today is no way like that.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Many companies and products issued special Bicentennial Editions

From shave cream to shirts to calendars to coffee, largest companies and home town mom and pops, Bicentennial was slapped on everything. Everyone was patriotic and proud even if they were seeking a marketing edge.

[Inkey]

3. I remember the Bicentennial Train

When it came to Pgh !
I was 16 during that summer and my
friends were just starting driving. We would
all chip in for gas to travel around town.
Drive In movies , fairs , carnivals , and
dating were on our agenda the year !!!!

[BigmanPigman]

4. I lived outside of Philly and the celebrations went on for 12 months

throughout the area. My birthday is July 3rd and it seemed like the parties were for me too (I was turning 14). Everything was red, white and blue. Since Philly has so much history there was always another "The first so and so celebration". Like the first ice cream shop, the first animal shelter, the first library, etc.

[Fiendish Thingy]

5. IIRC, it was an 18-24 month ramp up to the big celebration

Special quarters were minted, CBS had “Bicentennial Minutes” in between prime time shows, and tacky Red White and Blue merch was everywhere.

Special concerts, history programs, and other events.

[bottomofthehill]

6. I remember the "Tall Ships" coming to Boston on July 4th

The USS Constitution went out into the Boston Harbor to mee the Parade of ships and lead them to their berths. It was an amazing week long celebration.

The Freedom Trail in Boston opened I think, or my parents brought my sisters and I on the freedom trail walk. The celebration went on and on. There was great pride in our nation and hope for its future.

[doc03]

7. I worked in steel mill at the time, we painted all the rolling mills and railroad

engines red white and blue. People had their homes decorated all summer. They even painted a huge flag on the roof top
of the main building at the mill. So far this year isn't even like a normal year. It is like the whole country is depressed.