Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Updated 7:47 PM ET, Wed August 29, 2012

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Paralympian Margaret Maughan lights the Paralympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics on Wednesday, August 29.

Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – Paralympian Margaret Maughan lights the Paralympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics on Wednesday, August 29.

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Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – The Paralympic flag is carried by members of the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – The Paralympic flag is raised.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – Athletes from Mexico parade in front of a cheering crowd.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – A large-scale reproduction of Marc Quinn's celebrated sculpture "Alison Lapper Pregnant" is presented.

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The Olympic Stadium and Orbit shine brightly during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics on Wednesday, August 29.

Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – The Olympic Stadium and Orbit shine brightly during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics on Wednesday, August 29.

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Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – Artists brandished silver umbrellas during their performance.

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Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – Some performers wore lighted visors.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – A giant apple featured prominently.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – A small plane trails sparks over the Olympic Stadium.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, watch the ceremony.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – Artists perform with umbrellas.

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Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – Wheelchair rugby player Greg Smith of Australia carries the flag during the ceremony.

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Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – Artists perform with colorful umbrellas during the opening ceremony.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – Attendees applaud Queen Elizabeth II and her son Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

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Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – The opening ceremony featured plenty of fantastic imagery.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – A choir performs "Principia" by British composer Errollyn Wallen.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – Service members from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force display the Great Britain flag.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – The participants sport unique headgear.

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Paralympics opening ceremony – Miranda performs during the ceremony.

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Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – Artists also wielded silvery umbrellas for the ceremony.

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Photos: Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Paralympics opening ceremony – The opening ceremony featured plenty of bright lights and beautiful colors.

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