A very happy Independence Day Bionic friends! Let’s turn the time-clock back and revisit two posts celebrating the day; Holiday Sing-A-Long: ‘The 4th Of July Parade’ From ‘Rudolph’s Shiny New Year’ (1976) & America’s Bicentennial: July 4th, 1976.
“There’s a happy celebration in each town across the nation…” (Rankin/Bass, 1976)
“On this island, every day is the 4th of July!”
Happy 4th of July to all who are celebrating at home and abroad! To get us in the proper mood, here’s “The 4th of July Parade” song from Rankin/Bass’ Rudolph’s Shiny New Year.
“…At the 4th of July Parade!” (Rankin/Bass, 1976)
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year first aired in December of 1976 (topping off the Bicentennial celebrations). In the clip below you can hang out with Ben Franklin, Rudolph and the Baby New Year. Music & lyrics by Johnny Marks. Music arranged & conducted by Maury Laws. Let the festivities begin!
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America’s Bicentennial: July 4th, 1976
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