No, I’m not talking about someone from a specific generation, America is celebrating its quarter millennial anniversary, more commonly referred to as the semi-quincentennial. I am sure I’m not alone among my readers to remember what a huge deal the bicentennial was in 1976. Everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, was red, white, and blue. My Catholic school uniform was a blue plaid skirt and white blouse, and even we got a (dumb) red tie that year to commemorate our country’s 200th anniversary. But this year, America’s quarter-thousandth year, if you will, seems fraught with peril. Missteps prevail, and it’s a bit sad to see what a mess we’re making of it. I’m not going to indulge in politics, but this has been such a steaming shit-show of a year, even the most ‘Murica forward citizens must be feeling out of sorts.

So I thought we’d take a look back at 1976. It wasn’t a perfect time, to be sure, and I realize I’m remembering it through a child’s eyes. But there was genuine American joy, and I remember that everyone I knew leaned into the celebration. Let’s see if we can’t recapture some of that national pride and joy.

Wishing all my American audience a happy July 4th, and to everyone else, a good weekend!