Gerald Ford presided over the nationally televised 1976 Bicentennial fireworks in Washington, D.C.
Ford was the 38th president of the United States and was in office during the Bicentennial year. The fireworks were part of the nationwide celebrations that culminated on Sunday, July 4, 1976, the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s adoption.
The Washington display was one of many celebrations held across the country. Other major events included Operation Sail in New York Harbor, parades, historical reenactments, and local ceremonies in communities of every size.
The event is sometimes associated with President Richard Nixon because he had been president during earlier Bicentennial planning, but Nixon resigned in 1974. Ford was president when the 1976 anniversary reached its climax.