The District of Columbia National Guard 257th Army Band kicks off the National Independence Day Parade, July 4 along Constitution Ave. in Washington, D.C. The 257th, known as the Band of the Nation's Capital, has the honor of leading the elite marching units of each of the five uniformed services at the start of the annual holiday tradition. The parade draws thousands of spectators to the nation's capital and is the prelude to a day filled with music, food, and fireworks in celebration of America's independence. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. G.H. Cureton)