The United States turned 200 years old in 1976, and communities across the country made sure that July 4th, 1976 was a night to remember. 

With the news full of patriotism and the air full of optimism, being a kid totally ruled in the mid to late '70s. In the battle between freedom and rules, freedom surged to an early lead.

Here are 26 photos of what it looked like to grow up in 1976.