The Bicentennial Americas 200th Birthday

Ladies and Gentleman this is the last minor focus for my Junior Research Project. This minor focus is probably the most important one due to its strong ties to our countries history. I'm sure most of you know that the United States was once just an awkward land mass and we as Americans were ruled by Kings and Queens. Over 200 years ago in 1776 we broke away and came to the awkward land mass now known as The United States of America and that my friends is where our story begins.

http://www.trainweb.org/screamingeagle/other/d_favignano/logodrawn.jpg

In 1976 our beautiful country of the United States celebrated its 200th birthday which is known as the Bicentennial. The commemoration of the Bicentennial of the United States of America went on for months after and is remembered as one of our most cultural events.

A little history behind the Bicentennial is that the celebrations actually began a little over a year prior to the Bicentennial. The celebrations started on April 18th, 1975 and they began with President Gerald Ford in Boston. He traveled to Boston and lit a third lantern at the very historic Old North Church. He did this to symbolize Americas third century. The American Freedom Train also launched in Wilmington, Delaware to start its 21 month long tour of the 48 contiguous states.

http://www.rosenet.org/library/historyimages/Bicentennial%20Paradeviewing.jpg

The United States Mint began issuing Bicentennial Coinage in 1975. On the Quarter a colonial drummer was features with a torch encircled by 13 stars. The Half Dollar had Independence Hall on it and on the Silver Dollar was the Liberty Bell. After the coins were made the United States Department of the Treasury released a new version of the 2 dollar bill. On the back of the 2 dollar bill was Trumbull's Declaration of Independence.

Many events took place during the Bicentennial Era. Elaborate fireworks displays in the skies took place over many American Cities. Mail boxes and fire hydrants were colored Red, White, and Blue. A flag was created for the Bicentennial, it was white and had the official Bicentennial Emblem on it. A fleet of tall-masted sailing ships gathered in New York City and then in Boston. This has come to be known as Operation Sail. The most memorable occurrence was when Queen Elizabeth the 2nd and her husband Prince Phillip came the USA aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

http://www.navydays.me.uk/42.%20Royal%20Yacht%20Britannia%20Invergordon%201957.jpg

Needless to say the Bicentennial in 1976 was one of the most exciting and historical days in our country's history.

Sources:

http://english.turkcelbilgi.com/United+States+Bicentennial
http://www.rosenet.org/library/historyimages/Bicentennial%20Paradeviewing.jpg
http://www.trainweb.org/screamingeagle/other/d_favignano/logodrawn.jpg
http://www.navydays.me.uk/42.%20Royal%20Yacht%20Britannia%20Invergordon%201957.jpg