The United States of America will soon celebrate its 250th anniversary as a nation. Of course, that will be July 4, 2026.

But many of us “baby boomers” can recall the Bicentennial and the celebration of America’s 200th birthday!

The 1976 Bicentennial celebrated the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence with nationwide events, patriotic displays and cultural festivities.

I was a lot younger then, just a couple of years out of high school. I was still living in my hometown of Nolan, West Virginia.

I recall a couple of local Bicentennial observances.

The Norfolk and Western Railroad painted one of its engines red, white and blue. I can remember it streaming through the area, hauling coal cars.

I also recall workers at the National Guard Armory in Williamson painting the old Army tank that was displayed for years in front of the building at West End. It was also painted red, white and blue.

It seems like more people were patriotic during that era, and there was less anti-American sentiment than there is today. That disappoints me, and I really hate seeing this negative feeling toward the best nation on the planet!

Several national events included the American Freedom Train, which toured the 48 contiguous states from April 1975 to December 1976, displaying historical artifacts, documents and artwork.

The Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage featured volunteers traveling eastward in covered wagons along historic trails, symbolizing the nation’s pioneering heritage.

On July 4, 1976, President Gerald Ford participated in ceremonies at Valley Forge and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

I am sure many other events were held, but I cannot recall any specific parades or fireworks displays.

Many families celebrated with the usual cookouts with hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon and soft drinks.

Several towns will hold fireworks shows and other Independence Day activities.

With the Fourth of July approaching, West Virginia officials continue preparations for the America 250 celebrations in Charleston, the state capital.

The state has initiated a program to hold synchronized bell-ringing ceremonies July 4 at noon.

The state tourism office reported that 19 counties have completed murals, including Mingo County.

I am sure this Fourth of July will be special and one to remember for our younger generation, much like the 200th birthday of our nation was for us.

I do not think patriotism is as high as it once was. Still, hopefully this current celebration will bring some Americans closer together. Unfortunately, there seems to be a great political divide in the country between liberals, conservatives and even moderate thinkers.

But let us hope and pray that things start to get better, that people will come together, and that patriotism will be strong again.

I am concerned about the recent decline in patriotism.

We have always been a close country, with citizens banding together from the Revolutionary War through World War I, World War II and other wars and conflicts involving the U.S.

We came together in times like the 9/11 tragedy and other terrible happenings in our history.

I know our generation grew up in different times. We started each school day with the Pledge of Allegiance and sang patriotic songs.

Patriotism is linked to hope for the nation’s future. Individuals with strong national pride are more likely to maintain a positive outlook and engage constructively in society, regardless of political ideology.

I hope we can recapture those feelings of patriotic pride. Enjoy this special Fourth of July.

Until next time.

(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)