President Gerald Ford visited Boston’s Old North Church on April 18, 1975, to light a lantern symbolizing America’s third century.
The ceremony formed part of the lead-up to the United States Bicentennial. Ford’s lantern represented the nation moving beyond its first two centuries and entering a third century of American history. The following day, he traveled to Concord, Massachusetts, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Old North Church is also famous for its role in the American Revolution. On April 18, 1775, lanterns were displayed in its steeple to signal that British troops were approaching by sea. The traditional phrase “one if by land, and two if by sea” comes from this warning system.
The 1975 Bicentennial ceremony therefore connected a modern anniversary event with the church’s Revolutionary-era symbolism. It was not the same ceremony as the Declaration of Independence celebrations held in Philadelphia in 1976.