The United States Bicentennial was a series of celebrations and observances during the mid-1970s that commemorated the historical events leading up to the creation of the United States as an independent republic. The Bicentennial culminated on Sunday, July 4, 1976, with the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
The maximum card above has an image of a bust of John Paul Jones and the U.S. Bicentennial stamp honoring him. This is one of MANY U.S. Bicentennial stamps, which were issued over a period of years from 1971 to 1983. I couldn't find a list of all the issues. Wikipedia's Bicentennial Series article even seems to neglect the John Paul Jones stamp which was issued on September 23, 1979, saying that there were no Bicentennial stamps between 1978 and 1981.
John Paul Jones (1747-1792) was an American Revolutionary hero who served in the Continental Navy. Born in Scotland, Jones later adopted the United States as his own country. He commanded the Bonhomme Richard and fought against the British during the Revolutionary War. It was during a battle against the British ship Serapis that he made the iconic statement, "I have not yet begun to fight!" Jones died in Paris in 1792. His remains were later returned to the United States and interned in Annapolis, Maryland. (Source: Arago)
The back of the John Paul Jones card has two cancellations related to him and two Bicentennial stamps. The American Militia and Continental Army stamps were issued on July 4, 1975. They are part of block of four designs that show uniforms worn by the Continental Army, Navy, Marines, and American militia during the Revolutionary War. These stamps have the Bicentennial logo.
The U.S. Bicentennial was a big event. I found a Bicentennial cartoon on YouTube that was produced by a U.S. government agency. It is packed full of iconic American symbols presented in a wild and crazy way with 1970s era graphics!
Great stamps and I enjoyed the video but perhaps it should include a warning not to watch if you suffer from epilepsy. Laughed when I saw the hot dogs!
ReplyDeleteLovely selection of stamps, the video is quite something, very 1970s indeed, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJohn Paul Jones raided the town (Whitehaven) up the coat from me, there is pub named after him. Those uniform stamps are interesting and the video was like a psychedelic trip back in time.
ReplyDeleteYes a wild and crazy crazy video indeed. Yes I remember that the celebrations lasted over several years. Thank you for participating!!
ReplyDeleteMine is the same theme!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to believe that video was gov't sponsored!
ReplyDeleteI remember being tired of those bicentennial Minutes long before the bicentennial year.
(p.s. Toronto won 35-22)