 July 4th, 1976, President Ford traveled the U.S. celebrating America's bicentennial. On the 200th anniversary of America's independence, President Ford made it his mission to celebrate accordingly. He began his day traveling to Pennsylvania with his daughter Susan, where he spoke at Valley Forge, before heading to Independence Hall in Philadelphia to sign the Bicentennial Day Declaration, reaffirming the United States' commitment to liberty, justice, and freedom.