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Some of the most memorable and iconic moments in the history of the Olympic games came during the opening ceremonies. The incredible drum choreography in Beijing and Muhammad Ali proudly holding the torch above his head at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta are just two moments that resonate in the minds of millions.
The details regarding the ceremony are very secretive, but according to the official website of the 2012 London Olympics, the ceremony will feature a cast of 15,000 performers and will be viewed by more than four billion viewers worldwide.
Holding the American flag for Team USA will be 27-year old fencer Mariel Zagunis who has won gold in each of the last two Olympics for the United States.
The ceremony will take place on Friday, July 27 at 9 p.m. London time, but will be broadcast on NBC starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.
For full coverage of London 2012, head over to SB Nation's Olympics hub.