Gerald Ford led the United States during the 1976 Bicentennial, the major anniversary before America250.
Ford became president in August 1974 after Richard Nixon resigned. He was president throughout the 1976 Bicentennial year, when the country held nationwide celebrations marking 200 years since the Declaration of Independence.
Ford took part in prominent Bicentennial events, including ceremonies connected with the signing anniversary. He also issued a proclamation recognizing July 4, 1976, as a national observance of the nation’s 200th birthday.
The 1976 presidential election occurred during the Bicentennial year. Ford lost that election to Jimmy Carter, who took office in January 1977. Richard Nixon was president earlier in the decade, while Ronald Reagan did not become president until 1981.