Spectators gathered at Fort Mifflin to watch the Parade of Ships, a maritime procession up the Delaware River. The parade is the first event of Homecoming 250, commemorating the historic anniversary of the Navy and the Marine Corps, with more celebrations to come throughout the weekend.

Many in the crowd also saw it as a sort of kickoff for the nation’s 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated all next year.

On a windy Thursday morning, visitors brought folding chairs, blankets and hot drinks to the historic Philly fort, which hosted one of several watch parties along the river. The parade began off New Castle, Del., at 8 a.m., with the ships set to arrive in Philadelphia about two hours later.

The ships were a mix of modern warships and a vintage World War II-era destroyer. The US

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