Today marked the 200th anniversary of the signing of the declaration of independence. To recognize the event, the Declaration of Independence was publicly displayed for 76 continuous hours, ships paraded up the Hudson River for Operation Sail and bells rang throughout the country to salute the moment the Declaration was signed. Community picnics, parades, street dances and special receptions also marked the occasion.

"Break out the flags, strike up the band, light up the sky and let the whole world know that the United States of America is about to have another happy birthday, still going strong at 200, and in the words of the great Al Jolson – You ain't seen nothin' yet," declared President Ford during the opening of the Honor America Program at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

NOTE: It was on July 4, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The document asserted the dissolution of any allegiance to England by the 13 American colonies p>

Links to the Past
Happy Birthday America
The Fresno Bee, July 4, 1976

In Congress, July 4, 1776
Bridgeport Sunday Post, July 4, 1976

Happy 200th America!
The Daily Review, July 4, 1976

200 Years Of Freedom
The Sunday Chronicle-Telegram, July 4, 1976

Church Bells to Ring in Unison Nationwide in Celebration
Star-News, July 4, 1976

July 4th is Independence Day in the U.S., though it is celebrated all weekend. This federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Edinburgh Advertiser, out of Scotland, had this to say on July 9, 1776: “It was a little premature in the continental Congress to issue their resolve at Philadelphia, dated May 15, declaring themselves an independent people, as on the 20th they received an express from Montreal, with an account of their forces having totally dispersed themselves on the arrival of two or three English Frigates at Quebec. The resolve for independency was however published, so could not be recalled. It is to be observed, that the resolve was carried by a strong majority, and signed by John Hancock, Esq., once of the Bostonian delegates, whose principles, as well as those of his constituents, are well known.”

Links to the Past
A letter received…
The Edinburgh Advertiser, July 9, 1776

In Congress, July 4, 1776
Idaho State Journal, July 4, 1976

Bicentennial Edition
The Daily Times, July 4, 1776

In Congress, July 4, 1776
The Bridgeport Post, July 4, 1976

Happy Birthday America!
The Daily Inter Lake, July 4, 1976