I was around for America’s Bicentennial in 1976, and it was special.

There were parades, celebrations and even a taste of the American frontier.

The Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage was a unique living history event.

Thousands of volunteers retraced America’s westward pioneer migration. But they did it in reverse.

Five caravans of covered wagons started from the West Coast in June 1975 and converged at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1976.

The caravan came through Tamaqua, and wagons set up camp behind then-Acme Market.

Those memories are special.

And, in my opinion, this year’s America 250 celebration has been just as exciting.

I caught semiquincentennial fever, and it wasn’t because of the 100-degree heat wave.

Getting into the vibe, I decorated my house with banners, bunting, flags and lighting.

Then I dressed in Colonial gear to honor my fourth great-grandfather, patriot Johannes Serfass, Pennsylvania Militia, 4th Battalion.

The idea was to salute not just him, but everyone who had a hand launching the Revolution — minutemen, militia, Continental Army and their families. Others felt the same sense of spirit. In fact, renewed interest in our country’s early history is heartwarming.

For instance, membership applications for groups such as the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution are being submitted in great numbers.

I like that the America 250 celebration has been rooted in local communities, not so much at a national level.

I found it educational to attend events throughout the region and meet with other descendants of patriots and those who just want to celebrate.

In Slatington, a Betsy Ross reenactor from Philadelphia showed me how to create the five-pointed star used in the Colonial flag.

In Nesquehoning, I was invited to march with the Philadelphia Fife and Drum Corps and carry the Betsy Ross flag.

In Hometown, I had the opportunity to videotape a final leg of Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive journey as it completed a cross-country tour to honor America.

In Tamaqua, I joined with others in a program to unveil Liberty Tree Park.

The park features a sapling of the last surviving Colonial Liberty Tree where patriots once gathered to plan the Revolution.

The tree is a tangible link between us and our courageous ancestors, a symbolic inheritance of the fight for freedom.

For many, these festivities culminated with fireworks over Independence Day weekend.

Of course, nature supplied its own fireworks as well. This included sporadic lightning, thunder, pelting rain and even power outages.

In some cases, fireworks displays were canceled or postponed until another time.

And that’s fine. It’s never too late to enjoy a Revolutionary celebration.

We have six months remaining to acknowledge America 250.

And that’s what I plan to do because at my age I might not make it to see the next big celebration.

It’ll be a quarter millennial called America’s bicenquinquagenary.

I predict most folks will revolt over that name and simply call it America 275.

The important thing is to enjoy it and pay tribute to everything it stands for.

Our collective future will rely on everyone to be as strong in devotion as the original Spirit of ’76.