Happy 4th of July, folks! From 1974 throughout 1976 America was gripped with a “Bicentennial fever” of sorts.

The omnipresent ('74-'76) Bicentennial symbol

It started with the government unveiling the official Bicentennial logo (above) and went on to encompass TV commercials featuring Ben Franklin and other 1776-era figures, “Bicentennial Minute” public service announcements, numerous Bicentennial postage stamps being issued and the painting of local fire hydrants red, white and blue. Really, pretty much any paintable or printable surface seemed to sport red, white and blue colors from ’74-’76.

I can distinctly remember vacationing at my grandparent’s place in Houston, Texas and watching TV coverage of the massive flotilla of ships streaming into the New York Harbor while fireworks exploded overhead. The 1976 Summer Olympics would follow soon after (July 17th) and it just felt good to be an American.

Have a look at this great footage (below) from ABC on the long-awaited day of celebration. It’s a real slice-o’-life moment from 35 years ago. If you like what you see, you can continue onto parts 2-5 easily enough. Have a great extended weekend and an enjoyable 70s flashback!

Sunday, July 04, 1976: “From the American Broadcasting Company’s Bicentennial Center in New York City…Harry Reasoner.”

Read more: Bicentennial, ’76 Summer Olympics, Bicentennial postage stamps, Harry Reasoner