Philly’s Bicentennial remains a bit of a mystery

Philly’s Bicentennial remains a bit of a mystery

The 200th birthday of the United States was celebrated across the country on July 4, 1976. In Philadelphia, tens of thousands gathered on and around Independence Mall.  Some writers and participants said Philadelphia’s celebration was a success. Others said it was a failure. Is it possible they’re both right? The Bicentennial celebration had its pluses and minuses. There were the crowds at Independence Square. An estimated one million people vis…