Most successful nation: Flag bearer Mariel Zagunis of the U.S. holds the national flag as she leads the contingent in the athletes parade during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games

Athletes from the United States pose for photographs during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London

Walking the walk: A group of female Olympians joins Kobe Bryant in the procession into the Olympic Stadium

Here they come! Ms Zagunis leads her fellow athletes in to the XXX Olympiad

Excitement: Plenty of the U.S. contingent, from lesser-known athletes all the way up to LeBron James (right) took out cameras to record the event for posterity

Honour: Mariel Zagunis is one of America's top fencers and will be hoping to add to her two gold medals this year

En masse: Over 500 American sportsmen and sportswomen are proudly representing their nation in London

Cheering on the team: Michelle Obama was watching from the stands during the opening ceremony and parade of nations

Let the Games begin! The Olympic torch in full flame in front of the iconic five rings

The Olympic Cauldron burns, lit by seven young athletes, chosen for their promise by British sporting legends

The Cauldron was formed by 204 petals, one for each nation competing

The petals converged into one, after they were lit by the seven teenagers, rising high above the stadium

The audience watched open-mouthed as the burning petals raised

The sporting prospects lit the petals, after they were passed the flame by Sir Steve Redgrave

Fireworks created a spectacular display above east London

The view from inside: Spectators in the stadium were treated to an amazing vision during the fireworks

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2180038/Team-USA-Patriotic-entrance-London-2012-Olympics-spectacular-opening-ceremony.html#ixzz2iqwQUmPY
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