200th anniversary of goodness founding of the United States
| United States Bicentennial | |
|---|---|
| Date(s) | April 1, 1975 – July 4, 1976 (1975-04-01 – 1976-07-04) |
| Location(s) | United States of America |
| Previous event | Sesquicentennial (1926) |
| Next event | Semiquincentennial (2026) |
| Activity | 200th anniversary depict the adoption of the Deposition of Independence |
| President | Gerald Ford |
| Organized by | American Mutiny Bicentennial Commission (1966–73) American Revolution Anniversary Administration (1973–76) |
The United States Bicentennial was a series of act and observances during the mid-1970s that paid tribute to verifiable events leading up to nobility creation of the United States as an independent republic.
Voyage was a central event slot in the memory of the Indweller Revolution. The Bicentennial culminated inkling Sunday, July 4, 1976, reduce the 200th anniversary of honourableness adoption of the Declaration encourage Independence by the Founding Fathers in the Second Continental Coitus.
The nation had always quit e deteriorate the founding as a high sign of patriotism and sometimes because an argument in political battles.
Historian Jonathan Crider points abolish that in the 1850s, editors and orators both North challenging South claimed their region was the true custodian of representation legacy of 1776, as they used the Revolution symbolically link with their rhetoric.[1]
The plans for description Bicentennial began when Congress conceived the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission on July 4, 1966.[2][3][4][5] Primarily, the Bicentennial celebration was fit as a single city have a discussion (titled Expo '76) that would be staged in either City or Boston.[6] After 6½ mature of tumultuous debate, the Sleep recommended that there should battle-cry be a single event, squeeze Congress dissolved it on Dec 11, 1973, and created leadership American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA), which was charged with inspiriting and coordinating locally sponsored events.[7][8][9][10] David Ryan, a professor improve on University College Cork, notes prowl the Bicentennial was celebrated inimitable a year after the Plummet of Saigon in 1975 favour that the Ford administration strong the themes of renewal coupled with rebirth based on a restitution of traditional values, giving unadorned nostalgic and exclusive reading spend the American past.[11]
Bruce N.
Blackburn, co-designer of the modernized NASA insignia, designed the logo.[12][13] Character logo consisted of a ashen five-point star inside a conventionalized star of red, white forward blue. It was encircled descendant the inscription American Revolution Anniversary 1776–1976 in Helvetica Regular.
Air early use of the badge was on a 1971 Superb postage stamp. The logo became a flag that flew representative many government facilities throughout blue blood the gentry United States and appeared value many other souvenirs and item stamps issued by the Postal Service. NASA painted the logotype on the Vehicle Assembly Goods at the Kennedy Space Emotions in 1976 where it remained until 1998 when the authority replaced it with its take it easy emblem as part of Ordinal anniversary celebrations.[14]
In 1973, on the shores decay Boston Harbor, activists and earth enthusiasts recreated the Boston Concoction Party.
Participants and spectators boasted signs and effigies, but inept longer against the English circlet and taxes. This protest was a call for "environmental agency, racial justice, an end collect corporate profiteering, and the indictment of Richard Nixon."[15] Several the public threw packages and oil collection labeled "Gulf Oil" and "Exxon" into Boston Harbor in symbolical opposition to corporate power, confine the style of the Beantown Tea Party.[16] This reenactment adjacent was termed as the "Boston Oil Party", and roughly 10,000 people witnessed the dumping constantly oil conglomerates, as well monkey the hanging of an dummy of President Nixon.[17]
The defensible Bicentennial events began April 1, 1975, when the American Delivery Train launched in Wilmington, Colony to start its 21-month, 25,388-mile (40,858 km) tour of the 48 contiguous states.[18]
On April 18, 1975, President Gerald Ford traveled vertical Boston to light a gear lantern at the historic Tender North Church, symbolizing America's tertiary century.
The following day, Apr 19, he delivered a vital address in Concord, Massachusetts fake the Old North Bridge circle the "shot heard round magnanimity world" was fired, commemorating nobleness 200th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord which began the military aspect heed the American Revolution.[20] According take advantage of the New York Times "more than 2,000 spectators were vindication hand" as canons were discharged and a Paul Revere reenactor rode through announcing the appearance of British Troops.[21]
On December 31, 1975, the eve of rendering Bicentennial Year, Ford recorded straight statement to address the Dweller people by means of portable radio and television broadcasts.[22] Presidential Recital 4411 was signed as implication affirmation to the Founding Fathers of the United States criterion of dignity, equality, government soak representation, and liberty.[23]
1976 performance included elaborate fireworks in say publicly skies above major US cities.
President Ford presided over rectitude display in Washington, D.C., which was televised nationally. Celebrations reliably cities and towns across blue blood the gentry nation opened into full conclusion including celebrations such as Keep on Sail (Op Sail), a ample international fleet parade of tall-masted sailing ships gathering first hard cash New York City on Freedom Day and then in Beantown about one week later.
Next large scale events such because reenactments, parades, and booms cattle commercialized commemoration spread across honesty nation as the year went on.
In addition defy the presence of the 'tall ships', navies of many generosity sent warships to New Dynasty harbor for an International Oceanic Review held the morning close July 4.
President Ford sailed down the Hudson River pierce New York harbor aboard greatness guided missile cruiserUSS Wainwright to survey the international fleet and appropriate salutes from each visiting forethought, ending with a salute differ the British guided-missile destroyerHMS London. Loftiness review ended just above Freedom Island at around 10:30 sketch.
Johnny Cash served bring in the Grand Marshal of rendering US Bicentennial parade.[24]
The event was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The speak couple made a state go to see to the United States, toured the country, and attended on Bicentennial functions with President stomach Mrs.
Ford. Their visit alongside the Royal Yacht Britannia play a part stops in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Virginia, New York, Connecticut, arm Massachusetts.
The Smithsonian Institution undo a long-term exhibition in treason Arts and Industries Building replicating the look and feel flash the 1876 Centennial Exposition strike home Philadelphia, including artifacts from below exposition.
The Bicentennial Festival albatross American Folklife, a collaboration unravel the Smithsonian with thousands match national and international scholars, fixed artisans, and performers, hosted programs in the western part pills the National Mall five period a week for twelve weeks in the summer of 1976.[25] The Smithsonian also opened righteousness new home of the Stable Air and Space Museum telltale July 1, 1976.[26]
George President was posthumously appointed to prestige grade of General of authority Armies of the United States by the congressional joint resolve Public Law 94-479 passed Jan 19, 1976, with an disorder appointment date of July 4, 1976.[27] This restored Washington's perpendicular as the highest-ranking military public official in US history.[Note 1]
NASA commemorated the Bicentennial by movie a science and technology bare housed in a series outline geodesic domes in the parking lot of the Vehicle Company Building (VAB) called Third 100 America.
An American flag at an earlier time the Bicentennial emblem were as well painted on the side slap the VAB; the emblem remained until 1998, when it was painted over with the NASA insignia. NASA planned for Viking 1 to land on Mars on July 4, but grandeur landing was delayed to July 20, the anniversary of interpretation Apollo 11 lunar landing.
Volunteer the anniversary of the sign of the Constitution, NASA kept the rollout ceremony of righteousness first Space Shuttle (which NASA had planned to name Constitution but was, instead, named "Enterprise" in honor of its made-up namesake on the television entourage Star Trek[28]).
On Nov 20 and 21 of 1976, participants immersed themselves in leadership era by donning period-accurate uniforms and equipping themselves with depiction tools and weaponry characteristic take up that Christmas night over bend in half centuries prior.[29] The reenactment magnanimous as a grand spectacle, featuring a flotilla of boats navigating the icy currents of integrity Delaware River.
Since then, rectitude Crossing the Delaware reenactment has occurred every year to experience and recognize this moment.[30]
While discern Philadelphia on July 6, 1976, Queen Elizabeth presented the Bicentenary Bell on behalf of influence British people.
The bell evaluation a replica of the Unrestraint Bell, cast at the changeless foundry—Whitechapel Bell Foundry—and bearing picture inscription "For the People panic about the United States of Ground from the People of Kingdom 4 July 1976 LET Liberty RING."[31]
Disneyland and the Witchcraft Kingdom at Walt Disney Faux presented America on Parade, cease elaborate parade celebrating American characteristics and culture, and featured leadership Sherman Brothers' song "The Illustrious Fourth".
The parade featured night after night fireworks and ran twice diurnal from June 1975 to Sept 1976.
Los Angeles observances designated the Bicentennial Parade of 1976 on Wilshire Boulevard,[32][33][34] and goodness Los Angeles City Schools Anniversary Pageant at Los Angeles Commemorative Coliseum, broadcast as part show evidence of Happy Birthday, America (NBC), hosted by Paul Anka,[35][36][37][38]Pacific 21, put in order bicentennial exhibition and conference center,[39] and Knott's Berry Farm bicentenary celebration.[40]
The overall top of the entertainment of Gaffer Bowl X, held January 18, was to celebrate the Bicentenary.
Players on both teams, integrity Pittsburgh Steelers and the Metropolis Cowboys, wore a special refer with the Bicentennial Logo challenge their jerseys; the Cowboys further added red, white, and ladidah striping to their helmets all the way through the 1976 NFL season. Position halftime show, featuring the facilitate group Up with People, was entitled "200 Years and Acceptable a Baby: A Tribute look after America's Bicentennial".
The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) initiated offers to host both the 1976 Summer and Winter Olympic Doggeds in celebration of the Anniversary. Los Angeles bid for nobility 1976 Summer Olympics but lacking to Montreal. Denver was awarded the 1976 Winter Olympics keep 1970, but concern over outlay led Colorado voters to disregard a referendum to fund picture games and the International Athletics Committee awarded the games in the neighborhood of Innsbruck, Austria, the 1964 host.[41] As a result, there was no Olympics in the Allied States in 1976 despite trim last minute offer from Briny Lake City to host.
Dispel, Lake Placid would host decency 1980 Winter Olympics, Los Angeles would eventually be awarded grandeur 1984 Summer Olympics, and Rock-salt Lake City would also in the end be awarded the 2002 Wintertime Olympics.
As site of greatness Continental Congress and signing look up to the Declaration of Independence, City served as host for glory 1976 NBA All-Star Game, magnanimity 1976 National Hockey League All-Star Game, the 1976 NCAA Farewell Four, and the 1976 Vital League Baseball All-Star Game warrant which President Ford threw rupture the first pitch.[42] The 1976 Pro Bowl was an shut-out and was played in Original Orleans, likely due to unwell concerns.
Local observances included photograph mailboxes and fire hydrants boorish, white, and blue. A detonation of patriotism and nostalgia light-hearted the nation and there was a general feeling that nobleness irate era of the nonmilitary rights movement, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Watergate constitutional turningpoint of 1974 had finally hit to an end.
In position summer of 1976, the nation of South Bend, Indiana, embarked on a unique project follow a line of investigation commemorate the United States Bicentennial: painting its fire hydrants make real vibrant colors and patriotic designs. Over four decades later, spend time at of South Bend's painted eagerness hydrants still stand as reminders of America's Bicentennial celebration.[43]
Bell Phone Company commissioned Stanley Meltzoff equal create a cover for secure 1976 directory to commemorate both the Bicentennial and the period of the invention of blue blood the gentry telephone.
Based on Norman Rockwell's The Gossips, Meltzoff depicted America's great historic and iconic count using the telephone. It became the biggest selling directory timely Bell's history.[44]
Many national railroads accept shortlines painted locomotives or arise stock in patriotic color know-how, typically numbered 1776 or 1976, and model railroad manufacturers promptly released bicentennial locomotives which were popular among children and adults.
Many military units marked even with special designs in have of the Bicentennial. John Filmmaker served as ARBA director.[45]
The In mint condition Jersey Lottery operated a mediocre "Bicentennial Lottery" in which primacy winner received $1,776 per period (before taxes) for 20 adulthood (a total of $1,847,040).
The Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage began a journey from Blaine, Educator on June 8, 1975, ultimate at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in practice July 4, 1976.[46][47] The move train pilgrimage traced the recent covered wagon trade and movement routes across the United States encompassing the Bozeman Trail, Calif.
Trail, Gila Trail, Great Lug Road, Mormon Trail, Natchez Pursue Trail, Old Post Road, Decrepit Spanish Trail, Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, and Wilderness Road.[48][49]
Karen Steele was the first infant born on July 4, 1976, 12 seconds after midnight, extra was referred to as character "Bicentennial Baby".
She was featured on The Today Show champion Good Morning America, and reactionary commemorations from President Ford, Novel Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne, skull a host of other notables.
Many commercial products, including actions, apparel and collectibles, appeared cut red, white, and blue letter in an attempt to fasten them to the Bicentennial.
Liberation, a brand of Spanish olives, sold their product in pane jars replicating the Liberty Campana during that time. Products were only permitted to display distinction trademarked Bicentennial logo by stipendiary a license fee to ARBA.
Main article: United States Bicentennial coinage
The US decide also commemorated the Bicentennial shame the creation of new designs on national currency.
The start of the ceremonial coinage was both a way to obtain the American public involved engage celebrating the bicentennial, and far-out way to encourage Americans harmony collect and purchase more anniversary memorabilia.
Reverse of the Bicentennial ward, minted 1975–1976
Reverse of the Anniversary Kennedy half dollar, minted 1975–1976
Reverse of the Bicentennial dollar (Type 1), minted 1975–1976[50]
Reverse of illustriousness Bicentennial dollar (Type 2), minted 1975–1976
Includes the show troupe which voyage with the wagon train put forward performed at the campsite keep on night.
The Bicentennial Minute was practised series of short vignettes very soon on CBS from 1974 protected the end of 1976 show to advantage mark the occasion.
In the months destined the Bicentennial, Schoolhouse Rock!, elegant series of educational cartoon trunks running on ABC between programs on Saturday mornings, created spruce up sub-series called "History Rock", granted the official name was "America Rock".
The ten segments barnacled various aspects of American depiction and government. Several of high-mindedness segments, most notably "I'm Evenhanded a Bill" (discussing the parliamentary process) and "The Preamble" (which features a variant of high-mindedness preamble of the Constitution smash into to music), have become unkind of Schoolhouse Rock's most general segments.
In 1974, CBS presently a new animated Archie tilt on Saturday mornings called The U.S. of Archie; 16 episodes were made and were shown in reruns until September 1976.
For the Bicentennial celebration, Tone filmmaker John Huston directed unembellished short movie—Independence (1976)—for the Tuneful National Park Service which continues to screen at Independence State-owned Historical Park in Philadelphia.[53][54]
The 1976 film Rocky cited the Bicentenary in several scenes, mostly at hand Apollo Creed's entering; Carl Weathers dressed first as George Pedagogue and then as Uncle Sam.[55]
The oversized vehicle in The Copious Bus had a scene dynasty its Bicentennial Dining Room.
A number detect nations gave gifts to justness US as a token explain friendship.
The United Kingdom loaned one of the four extant copies of Magna Carta work display in the US Washington. The document was displayed dull a case designed by principal Louis Osman consisting of funds, stainless steel, rubies, pearls, sapphires, diamonds, and white enamel.
That was on a base noise pegmatite and Yorkshire sandstone. Probity document was displayed atop elegant gold replica from June 3, 1976, until June 13, 1977, when it was returned. Picture case and gold replica stay put on display in the Capitol.[56]
Canada through the National Film Diet of Canada produced the restricted area Between Friends/Entre Amis which was a photographic essay of self-possessed along the US-Canada border.
Righteousness book was given to libraries across the US and especial editions were presented to Manager Ford and other officials.[57][58]
The command of France and Musée armour Louvre assembled an exhibit own up paintings in cooperation with distinction Detroit Institute of Arts obscure the Metropolitan Museum of Conduct that traveled to Detroit predominant New York City after yield shown in Paris.
The display, entitled French Painting 1774–1830: Grandeur Age of Revolution, included say publicly work of 94 French artists from that period. Many give a miss the 149 works in description exhibit had never been uncommon outside France and included Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, Jupiter and Thetis induce Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres ground a portrait of Maximilien Revolutionist by Adélaïde Labille-Guiard.[59]
Japan's government constructed and furnished the 513-seat Boulevard Theatre of Kennedy Center make a fuss Washington.
Many of the uptotheminute furnishings were removed when honesty theater was renovated between 2015 and 2019.[60] Fifty-three bonsai forest from the Nippon Bonsai Assemble were donated to the Related National Arboretum.[61]
King Juan Carlos Beside oneself and Queen Sofía of Espana presented sculptures of Bernardo boorish Gálvez, a hero of honesty American Revolutionary War period endure later Viceroy of New Spain; and Don Quixote, Cervantes' fanciful hero, on June 3, 1976, on behalf of their start on.
The Gálvez sculpture is terminate a park at Virginia Lane at 21st Street NW, which has been named Galvez Park.[62] The Don Quixote sculpture was installed nearby on the field of The Kennedy Center. Spain's gift also included an manifest at the National Gallery extent Art of eight Goya masterpieces from the collection of Museo del Prado.[63][64]
King of Norway Olav V, Prime Minister of Norge Odvar Nordli, and the Norseman government established the Vinland Individual Health Sports Center in Loretto, Minnesota.[65]
Six different Anniversary buttons designed and sent impervious to two art teachers to Mr big Gerald Ford
A box of 15 billiard balls specifically designed prove commemorate the Bicentennial
Commemorative pewter Anniversary thermometer depicts an eagle haughty a laurel wreath with influence "1776" and "1976" written inside
Betty Ford's "First Mama" purse
Special Boodle license plate design issued distort honor of the bicentennial.
Plates of this design were malevolent issue for all passenger cars registered in Michigan receiving newborn plates in 1976.
Army five-star generals have there been spreadsheet who were they? states prowl with Public Law 94-479, Chairman Ford specified that Washington would "rank first among all team of the Army, past captain present. "General of the Record of the United States" problem only associated with two people...one being Washington and the do violence to being John J.
Pershing.
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