Gerald Ford presided over the official 1976 bicentennial celebrations that America250 echoes.
Ford was the 38th president of the United States and held office from August 1974 until January 1977. He was president when the bicentennial reached its climax on July 4, 1976, marking 200 years since Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
During the anniversary year, Ford attended major commemorative events, including celebrations in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. He also participated in ceremonies connected with the American Revolution’s opening battles and presided over a nationally televised fireworks display in Washington.
The bicentennial was organized through federal structures including the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. It included parades, exhibitions, historic reenactments, the American Freedom Train, and Operation Sail. Ford’s presidency is sometimes confused with that of Jimmy Carter, who succeeded him in January 1977 and had not yet become president during the bicentennial climax.