Fourth of July in Southern California

Zach Scribner of the Lighthouse Church of Santa Monica holds a giant American Flag before the start of the Santa Monica Fourth of July Parade along Main Street. Heal the Bay, an environmental advocacy group dedicated to protecting South California’s coastal waters, was honored as the parade’s 2010 grand marshal.
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Morgan Jarow, 8, dressed as Uncle Sam during the Santa Monica Fourth of July Parade. Organized by the Ocean Park Assn., the parade marked the volunteer group’s fourth year as a coalescing force for the community.
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Members of Gan Israel Day Camp participate in the parade along Santa Monica’s Main Street, entertaining observers with their dancing and acrobatics. The parade included marching bands, fire trucks, school groups, and mounted police.
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Melissa Moreno hugs her boyfriend Russell Begay in front of the Arlington West Iraq War Memorial at Santa Monica Beach. They were visiting the cross of Melissa’s cousin, Lance Corporal Javier Perales, Jr. who was killed on June 11, 2008. The memorial is put up next to the pier every Sunday, offering visitors a place for reflection.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

James Campbell as Lady Liberty at a park next to the Santa Monica Beach following the parade on Main Street. Many parade participants donned patriotic costumes in celebration of the holiday.
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Diana Hobstette marches with an American-themed hula hoop during the parade along Main Street. The parade featured marching bands, mounted police officers, and other acrobatic performances.
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Jim and Monique Brown wave to the crowds as they ride along the streets during the Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade. The parade was organized by the Palisades Americanism Parade Association, a volunteer group of local citizens.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)