Soldiers from the 128th Aviation Brigade carry the colors of each state in parade during the Independence Day celebration on Seay Plaza at Ft. Eustis, Va., July 4, 2012. The United States celebrated its 236th birthday this year, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which announced the thirteen American colonies as independent states free from British rule. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John D. Strong II/Released)