Your nation: touching or pathetic?

Flagstaff, Arizona, on the 4th of July, 2006. The U.S. celebrates Declaration of Independence in 1776. Looking and clapping -being no exception to social powers- but wondering if this is the most powerful nation of our planet.
And what is the difference with, for example, the Moscowian parade, on May 9th, when the Russians officially celebrate the end of WorldWar II, but use it as an expression of their political thoughts? Below you see the 9th of May 2002, where the influence of Mercedes Benz can not be neglected.

But perhaps the power of the Americans is they way they combine chauvinism with simple concrete icons (such as a baseball cap) and, well, let's call it humour.
Imagine yourself as the guy below, lookin' in the mirror that morning and deciding that this is the suitable outfit for today. And actually go out like this.

Guts, that's what they have.