Canadian tourists have their photo taken on the US Marine Corps float before the start of the national Independence DaypParade on July 4, 2008 in Washington, DC. The parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP's, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants, and is a major national event which seeks to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday. AFP PHOTO / TIM SLOAN