I missed America’s Bicentennial in 1976. I was only a few weeks old at the time.
But I do remember that 1970s patriotic “We the People” vibe lasting into my early childhood.
As a kid, I collected 1976 quarters because it was my birth year, and they were different with dual dates, 1776-1976, and the drummer boy on the back. My grandparents had bicentennial memorabilia and souvenir spoons from 50 states. I recall a Liberty Bell cologne decanter that you can now find on Etsy for $15.
The fact people were so openly celebrating America seems a bit of a surprise coming on the heels of the tumultuous 1960s, the Vietnam War and Watergate. But people were ready to move forward.
Gerald Ford, who was president during the bicentennial celebration, wrote in his autobiography, “Rarely in the history of the world had so many people turned out so spontaneously to express the love they felt for their country. … The nation’s wounds had healed. We had regained our pride and rediscovered our faith.”
Now, as we near the nation’s 250th birthday, the semiquincentennial, I don’t see the embrace of patriotism there was 50 years ago. The celebration feels subdued, almost apologetic, as though people are afraid to show love of their country.
There is no denying this is a time of great division in America. We all know.
While a Fox News survey reports 74% of Republicans and 35% of Democrats are excited about America’s upcoming anniversary, a Reddit post by rickygun13 sums up the apathy toward America’s 250: “Looking around in 2026, it is really hard to get excited about fireworks and flag-waving when the reality on the ground feels so broken.”
So, as The Enquirer’s history writer, when trying to come up with a topic for the anniversary, I wanted something that was relevant and local to all of our audience. A common ground. My thoughts turned to Cincinnati in the early years of the nation’s history.
Cincinnati was the original all-American city.
Founded right as the American experiment was beginning, it was the first major American city, built by Americans, reflecting America as a whole.
That sounded like something worth exploring for America’s 250th – Cincinnati and America growing up together.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: America is divided during its 250th. I searched for a common ground
Reporting by Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
