Significant historical event: United States bicentennial. “I wasn’t aware of the significance of the day until I was about 8 years old and realized that the fireworks were not for me, but then and now I am proud to share a birthday with this beautiful country,” Shank said. “I think my birthday makes me a little extra patriotic.” Shank said her family has always made a big deal about her being "a bicentennial baby." "My parents have always seemed really proud of it," she said. Shank said her grandmother, through the years, has saved bicentennial quarters and 50-cent pieces for her, ...