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One of the most anticipated military events of the year kicked off on Wednesday when 2012 Fleet Week came to New York City. The festivities got started with the parade of ships, which features 17 tall ships and 10 warships, The Associated Press reports.

The 25th annual celebration, which runs through May 30, marks the first Fleet Week since troops came home from Iraq in December, and it will welcome around 6,000 sailors to the Big Apple. It also gives civilians a chance to get an up close look at some of the Navy's most impressive vessels including the USS Roosevelt and USS Donald Cook. There will also be ships from the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada.

While the warships are one of the biggest draws, Fleet Week also has plenty of other events for military and civilian families alike. In particular, members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard will be offering various demonstrations on Thursday, and Saturday is Military Day in Times Square.

Fleet Week coincides with Memorial Day on Monday, which is being recognized by a commemoration ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid.