Bay Area celebrates 75th birthday of iconic Golden Gate Bridge

SAN FRANCISCO: -- The Golden Gate Bridge got its chance to shine Sunday, with people around the Bay Area flocking to the iconic span to celebrate its 75th birthday.

Festivities that began in the morning and continued into the evening along San Francisco’s northern waterfront within sight of the two legendary orange towers included musical and dance performances on stages in Crissy Field and Marina Green plus a historic watercraft parade.

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz passed under the bridge during the day, with its sailors saluting as sailboats flanked the ship. And there were less expected tributes as well, like the skywriter who spelled out “Happy 75th” above San Francisco Bay.

Twitter was abuzz Sunday with people offering “feliz cumpleanos” (“happy birthday” in Spanish) and other salutations, with new messages appearing every few seconds.

“Happy 75th Birthday to San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge! You are beautiful,” wrote one woman.

The fun climaxes once the sun goes down over the abutting Pacific Ocean, with fireworks planned for 9:30 p.m. (12:30 a.m. ET) that aim to showcase the bridge, bay and nearby national parks, according to the official Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary website.

From a practical standpoint, the suspension bridge has served a key role connecting San Francisco and Marin County since opening to vehicles on May 28, 1937, a little more than four years after construction on it began.

In the time since the first vehicles rolled across the 4,200-foot main span between the bridge’s two towers, the Golden Gate has gained symbolic significance as emblematic of the Bay Area. And many have admired it for its artistic merit, with the bridge serving as the backdrop for countless photos, paintings and more.

Full story: http://www.pattayada...en-gate-bridge/

-- Pattaya Daily News 2012-05-28

I've been over it and under it many times. I'm in the bay area now. It's bit cold!

I vaguely remember the 50th anniversary. If I recall correctly the bridge was so packed with people that it was a strain on the metal!

I vaguely remember the 50th anniversary. If I recall correctly the bridge was so packed with people that it was a strain on the metal!

Good thing it was built in a time when these things were meant to last.

The GG Bridge is one of the few things in the PRSF (People's Republic of San San Francisco) that is still worth celebrating. FYI -- I am 3rd generation Bay Area native and before I moved away from CA nearly 10 years ago, I witnessed the steady degradation of SF and CA in general. The Marxist PansieCrats that have been running SF and CA for decades now have turned it into a regulatory, ethical and moral morass.

I vaguely remember the 50th anniversary. If I recall correctly the bridge was so packed with people that it was a strain on the metal!

That is correct! Jammed like sardines.

I did not remember it until you brought it up, but I also concur.

Would have been an even more glorious if William Randolph Hearst was still around. He loved throwing huge city parties. But I'm sure he smiled at the celebration from beyond...

And more people jump off of it than you would imagine. Golden Gate Bridge suicide doc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqeoQ-5ot34

Edited July 21, 201213 yr by Svengoolie