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Not every event took place as scheduled. Scientists postponed the Mars landing of the Viking 1 space mission until a smoother touchdown site could be found (see SCIENCE). On New York's Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, gusty winds shredded the world's largest American flag, half again as big as a football field. Because an elevator broke down in the Washington Monument, officials were unable to write 1776-1976 HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA in the sky with a laser beam.
But none of the miscues—and there were almost miraculously few—could dim Americans' upbeat spirits. Despite the immense crowds and huge traffic jams, people almost everywhere were remarkably good-natured and mutually helpful. There were few accidents and no major disturbances. Instead, across the country, there were moments and images to cherish: the Hudson River excursion boat that limped past the Forrestal, listing precariously because all its passengers had rushed to the starboard side to salute the flagship and sing the national anthem; the police chief of Indianapolis, surveying the sort of throng that usually gives cops nightmares, and beaming: "The backbone of America is out here."
And everywhere, the flag. Not so long ago, it was a symbol of division —burned by some or worn on the seats of their faded jeans, flaunted by others in their lapels or on their auto aerials. Last week it seemed to be back in its historic place as a loved and honored emblem of American unity.