WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The 60th annual Gaspee Days Parade in Warwick today celebrated a key moment in American history, just as the country begins its celebration of 250 years.

Narragansett Parkway was lined with red, white, and blue stripes, celebrating when Rhode Islanders set the HMS Gaspee, a British Ship patrolling Narragansett Bay, on fire.

Historians considered the event “a spark that ignited the American Revolution.”

“This parade is important because it was one of the first acts against the British in 1772,” Gaspee Days Committee President Erin Flynn said.

The day was filled with colonial militias, professional drum corps, and members of the community.

“I am excited to see the marching band, trombone, red coats, blue coast, all the people dressed up as colonists,” one resident said.

Some even made the trip back to Rhode Island just for the event.

“I flew up here from Florida yesterday,” Gaspee Days 5K participant Ryan Emilio said. “I just love doing this, I have been coming here for 25, 26 years .I don’t miss it, I always get a weekend flight up.”