Fireworks ring the perimeter of Olympic Stadium.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

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Dancers with light bars perform during the opening ceremony.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

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A spire of torches come together in the center of Olympic Stadium as the official flame is lit to begin the London 2012 Olympics.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

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A performer is encased in a translucent ball during the opening ceremonies.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

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Two-time Olympic champion fencer Mariel Zagunis holds the American flag as members of the United States Olympic team participate in the opening ceremonies of London 2012.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

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A segment on rock music is part of the festivities at Olympic Stadium.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Gary Ambrose / Los Angeles Times

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Team USA members ham it up for their cameras as they enter Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

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Paul McCartney vamps on stage as he performs "Hey Jude" to close the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics at Olympic Park.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

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Fireworks light up Olympic Stadium during during the opening ceremony of London 2012.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

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The Olympic rings are assembled above Olympic Stadium at the opening ceremony Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Lars Baron / Getty Images

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The opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Paul Gilham / Getty Images

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Performers go through their paces during the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Hannibal / EPA

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Actors (and fowl) perform during the opening ceremony Friday at the 2012 Summer Olympics,

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Ivan Sekretarev / Associated Press

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Performers spread out on the field of Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Morry Gash / Associated Press

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A fan shows her British pride at the opening ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics at Olympic Stadium on Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

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A fan holds a Mexican flag during opening ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics at Olympic Stadium.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

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Performers portray nurses during the opening ceremony of the London Olympics on Friday at the Olympic Stadium.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Ian Langsdon / EPA

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A scene from the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Hannibal / EPA

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Taking part in the opening ceremony for the Olympics were the Chelsea Pensioners -- retirees from the British military.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Kerim Okten / EPA

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Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, enjoy the atmosphere during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

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A performer in the role of Queen Elizabeth II parachutes out of a helicopter hovering above the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony on Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Lars Baron / Getty Images

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The colors of the Union Jack flag are highlighted Friday during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Kerim Okten / EPA

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Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics on Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Ian Walton / Getty Images

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The Olympic rings glow above the stadium in a scene depicting the Industrial Revolution during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images

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Dancers perform during the opening ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics on Friday in London.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Mark Humphrey / Associated Press

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Dancers are seen in silhouette as they perform during the opening ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics on Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: David Goldman / Associated Press

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An overview of Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Games in London on Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Ettore Ferrari / EPA

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Performers hold illuminated rods during the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics on Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Mark Humphrey / Associated Press

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The opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Chris McGrath / Getty Images

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Olympic Stadium glows blue and green during the opening ceremony of Summer Games on Friday.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Ivan Sekretarev / Associated Press

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