Gerald Ford was the U.S. president during the July 4, 1976, Bicentennial celebrations.
Ford became president on August 9, 1974, after Richard Nixon resigned. He remained in office through the Bicentennial year, including the July 4 anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Ford also participated in several commemorative events, including the national fireworks display in Washington, D.C.
The Bicentennial was the 200th anniversary of the Declaration’s adoption in 1776. Celebrations took place across the country and included parades, exhibitions, tall-ship gatherings, historical reenactments, and television programs.
Ford lost the 1976 presidential election to Jimmy Carter, who took office in January 1977. That timing can cause confusion: Carter was president during the election year’s final months as president-elect, but Ford was the incumbent and president on Independence Day itself.