The nation was counting down to the Bicentennial for many years and Washington, D. C. intended to make that July 4, 1976 a memorable day for all. As a matter of fact, events were planned for all four days. Some of the special events I saw were the American Folklife festival, NARA displaying the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and the Constitution, a huge "American Bicentennial Grand Parade" and of course the fabulous fireworks.
Since I was living in Alexandria, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, I had no intention of missing anything. But, there was a problem. Too many people, and the Metro (subway) hadn't opened yet in my area. Fortunately, my first cousin, lived two blocks from the Capital, invited me to spend two nights with her. How wonderful for me and we spent the entire time together sharing all the great and free activities together. We saw the long parade, went to a concert or two and had a superb location to watch the fireworks, from the Capital, I think we had passes, because she worked for a Texas politician, and I don't remember fighting for a spot. And when it was all over on the 4th, we were back at her place within minutes.
My photos aren't the best, actually among my worst, but I thought I would share them. Happy 4th to everybody.
(Originally posted July 2010.)
4 comments:
Barb, That was the year I took two vacations to celebrate the Bicentennial. Fourth of July weekend, I went to Las Vegas and saw Wayne Newton on the night of July 4. How much more patriotic can one get? LOL. The following weekend, I headed to Washington DC and got food poisoning on my 2nd day. Spent the next three days in my hotel room being sick. My 10 day trip to DC was cut short, as I returned home once I felt well enough to fly. Finally made it back there about five years later and had a wonderful time.
And, I love them again! Fun post, what wonderful things you haves seen and experienced.
Susan, Glad you made it back to DC, but what an awful experience you had. And, Carol, you have seen more of the U.S. than anybody I know, but thanks for your comment also.
What a perfect spot to have celebrated! We spent that 4th in Philadephia, having just arrived back in the US after several years overseas. I'll never forget it. Happy Fourth to you, Barbara!
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