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A celebration 250 years in the making is taking place this October when both the Navy and Marine Corps celebrate their 250th anniversaries in Philadelphia.
The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration, Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps (Homecoming 250™), is a must-see event marking the 250th anniversaries of America’s maritime services with unforgettable experiences visitors won’t find anywhere else. The Navy and Marine Corps have chosen the upcoming celebration to proudly serve as the national commemoration of their 250th anniversaries. The historic event also will be the grand opening of events honoring America’s Semiquincentennial. Taking place from October 9 to 16, with special events continuing on November 10, the event stands as the nation’s largest tribute to the military and veterans, drawing tourists from across the country to experience Philadelphia’s historic role in shaping the nation’s legacy.
“Philadelphia is not only the birthplace of our nation— it’s also where the Navy and Marine Corps were born, grew, and served for over 200 years,” said Homecoming 250 President George Leone. “As we prepare to celebrate their 250th anniversaries in the very city where it all started, we’re proud to honor the service, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of America’s maritime forces. This spectacular celebration will bring together communities, families, and veterans from across the country in a powerful display of unity and gratitude.”
Serving on the Homecoming 250 Board is Patrick F. Patrick F. Dailey of Churchville, who also chairs The Tun Task Force and is the executive director of The Tun Legacy Foundation. The task force and foundation are reestablishing The Tun as a monument of historical significance in the United States. The Tun, originally constructed in 1693 along Philadelphia’s waterfront, became the iconic birthplace of six organizations that endure today: the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, the Pennsylvania Freemasons, the St. Andrew’s Society, the Society of St. George and the St. Patrick’s Society.
The momentous events will honor the Navy, established on October 13, 1775, and the Marine Corps, founded shortly thereafter on November 10, 1775. Both branches were born in Philadelphia, where they launched their inaugural missions on the historic Delaware River, setting the stage for their enduring legacy.
The opening ceremonies will take place on October 9 with a spectacular parade of ships on the Delaware River. The ceremonies will set the tone for the celebration, which has free events along both banks of the Delaware River.
Following the arrival of the vessels, an opening ceremony will take place, featuring a formal blessing of the Fleet. Watch parties for the parade of ships will take place at various locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware
Another vessel on display as part of Homecoming 250 will be a Durham boat from Washington Crossing Historic Park. The Durham boat is the type of vessel that George Washington and his army used to cross the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776.
Throughout the week, a wide array of free events will unfold, offering something for everyone to enjoy. History enthusiasts can explore exhibits showcasing the Navy and Marine Corps' rich history and achievements at some of Philadelphia’s renowned museums, including the Independence Seaport Museum, the American Swedish Historical Museum, the Library Company of Philadelphia, The African American Museum in Philadelphia, and the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial in Camden, New Jersey.
Families can explore an impressive lineup of historic, replica, and active-duty Navy ships, including the cruiser Olympia, battleship New Jersey, and submarine Becuna. In addition to ship tours, visitors can enjoy equipment demonstrations on both sides of the Delaware River and breathtaking area-wide flyovers featuring Navy and Marine Corps heritage and active-duty aircraft. A highlight of the week will be a spectacular flyover by the Blue Angels on October 13, offering an unforgettable display of aerial precision and skill.
“The Navy and Marines were created in Independence Hall, organized at the historic tavern called The Tun and launched their first ship and amphibious mission on the Delaware River. U.S. Navy shipbuilding began on the Delaware, and both banks of the Delaware supplied innovative ships and Navy and Marine heroes for centuries. There is no better place for their 250th celebrations,” Dailey said.
Other Navy and Marine Corps 250th Celebration Activities Include:
- Performances at Independence National Historical Park: The United States Navy Band, U.S. Marine Corps Bands, and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon will perform throughout the week at Independence National Historic Park. Additionally, a popular star-studded patriotic “Victory At Sea” concert will take place on October 12 on Independence Mall.
- Army-Navy Cup at Subaru Park XIV Presented by Leidos (October 10) The storied soccer rivalry between Army West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy returns to Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, for the 14th annual Army-Navy Cup. For the first time in the event’s 14-year history, the annual rivalry will include both men’s and women’s soccer matches in a marquee doubleheader.
- Navy 250 Gala (October 11). The public is invited to raise a glass alongside naval leadership in celebration of the Navy’s 250th Birthday at the Navy 250 Gala, held at the National Constitution Center—overlooking historic Independence Hall, where the United States Navy was born.
- All Veterans Reunion Picnic (October 12). Beginning at 11 a.m., a special Sunday picnic for veterans from all armed services, their families, and the community will be held on Independence Mall. The family-friendly event will offer a full day of fun, featuring live music performances, food competitions, special ceremonies honoring veterans, delicious food, and a variety of additional activities for all ages. The picnic will also feature various Veteran service organizations providing support, resources, and information to honor and assist those who have served. Free and open to the public.
- Toast the Recreation of The Tun (November 10). Starting at 12:30 p.m., families are invited to celebrate the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps at The Tun—a historic tavern and birthplace of the Corps—now being faithfully recreated near its original site. Visitors can view the progress of its reconstruction on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets
- 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball (November 10). The public is invited to celebrate 250 years of the United States Marine Corps at the birthplace of one of its most cherished traditions—the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. This year marks the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, an event held in the very same ballroom where Commandant Lejeune hosted the inaugural celebration a century ago.