An annual New York City tradition is under way Wednesday, as Fleet Week kicked off with the Parade of Ships along the Hudson River, May 23, 2012. It is the largest Fleet Week since the celebrations began 25 years ago. This year's festivities mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner." [Photo/Xinhua]

An annual New York City tradition is under way Wednesday, as Fleet Week kicked off with the Parade of Ships along the Hudson River, May 23, 2012. It is the largest Fleet Week since the celebrations began 25 years ago. This year's festivities mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner." [Photo/Xinhua]

An annual New York City tradition is under way Wednesday, as Fleet Week kicked off with the Parade of Ships along the Hudson River, May 23, 2012. It is the largest Fleet Week since the celebrations began 25 years ago. This year's festivities mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner." [Photo/Xinhua]

An annual New York City tradition is under way Wednesday, as Fleet Week kicked off with the Parade of Ships along the Hudson River, May 23, 2012. It is the largest Fleet Week since the celebrations began 25 years ago. This year's festivities mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner." [Photo/Xinhua]

An annual New York City tradition is under way Wednesday, as Fleet Week kicked off with the Parade of Ships along the Hudson River, May 23, 2012. It is the largest Fleet Week since the celebrations began 25 years ago. This year's festivities mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner." [Photo/Xinhua]