Patrick Dailey wants to invite you to a celebration 250 years in the making. The Churchville resident and Marine Corps veteran is on the board of Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps, which is hosting landmark events during the Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th Celebration this fall. The Navy, established on October 13, 1775, and the Marine Corps, founded shortly thereafter on November 10, 1775, were born in Philadelphia, where they launched their inaugural missions on the Delaware River.
“The history of the naval service is very closely tied to this city,” Dailey said. “There’s a good reason they were founded here. It was the largest city in North America at the time. It was where the fledgling government or the rebellious government, was meeting.
“We still walk the streets here that they walked back in the 1700s when this occurred. Some of the same buildings are here. The same cobblestones. If you’re paying attention, there’s a tremendous amount of history here that people will marvel at,” he said.
The celebration, running from October 9 to 16 with additional events November 7 to 11, kicks off with a stunning maritime procession as Navy ships and other vessels make their way on the Delaware River, arriving in Philadelphia and Camden County, N.J. Following the ships’ arrival, there will be a ceremonial welcome and traditional Blessing of the Fleet. For more information, visit www.homecoming250.org.