As we prepare for the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence on July 4, let’s look back 50 years to June 12, 1976, and the American Revolution Bicentennial parade in Norfolk. The parade was the largest parade ever held in Norfolk with almost everyone participating, many dressed in colonial garb. The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department created a float with demonstrations of how fires were extinguished by a bucket brigade in colonial times. The young boy pictured here would later become Norfolk’s fire marshal. Can you guess who? The parade was followed by ceremonies on the Green during which a bicentennial oak tree, a seedling of the legendary Charter Oak in Hartford, was dedicated, and a bicentennial quilt with Norfolk scenes was unveiled. It is now at the Historical Museum. Afterwards there was a block party and dance on Station Place, sponsored by the NVFD and Ladies Auxiliary.

—Ann Havemeyer