RICHMOND, Va. — The U.S. Navy marked a momentous milestone Monday, celebrating 250 years of service with a ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial that brought together veterans, officials and the next generation of potential service members.

The ceremony opened with an actor portraying John Paul Jones, a naval officer during the Revolutionary War who is often referred to as the “Father of the Navy.”

The performer, Bryan Austin, set the tone for the historic commemoration.

“We have gathered to remember, we have gathered to commemorate, we have gathered to celebrate with pomp and pageantry by word and deed this historic occasion,” Austin said, speaking as Jones.

The amphitheater at the Virginia War Memorial was filled with dozens of attendees, many of them Navy veterans, including Virgini

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