Gerald Ford was president of the United States during the 1976 Bicentennial. The national commemoration marked the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and preceded America250 by 50 years.
The Bicentennial culminated on July 4, 1976, although official events began in April 1975. Rather than concentrating on one single exposition, organizers coordinated a decentralized program involving tens of thousands of events and projects across the United States and abroad.
Major observances included the American Freedom Train, historical commemorations connected with Lexington and Concord, Operation Sail, parades, fireworks, exhibitions, and redesigned commemorative coins. Ford also issued public statements during the Bicentennial period and took part in events celebrating the anniversary.
The 1976 observance is an important predecessor to America250. Earlier national anniversary celebrations included the 1876 centennial and the 1926 sesquicentennial. In each case, the anniversary used the history of independence to connect national ceremonies with public education, symbols, and community events.