PHILADELPHIA, PA — Homecoming 250™ has officially announced plans for the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration. Set to take place in October and November 2025, these events will honor the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, both of which were founded in Philadelphia in 1775. This historic celebration, spanning Philadelphia, Camden, and the Delaware River, is expected to attract Veterans, historians, and the general public in the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The celebration begins on October 9 with a spectacular Parade of Ships on the Delaware River, followed by a formal Fleet Blessing. Throughout the week, guests can tour historic and active-duty ships, attend military history exhibits at notable museums, and participate in educational symposiums hosted by the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University-Camden. The festivities include demonstrations, flyovers featuring Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, and a special Blue Angels performance on October 13.
Key events include the Homecoming 250 All-Veterans Reunion Picnic on October 12, offering support services for Veterans, and the “Victory at Sea” concert, featuring bands from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Sports fans can look forward to a Navy vs. Temple University football game and a 250th Anniversary run. On November 10, the Marine Corps will also mark its anniversary with the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Bellevue Hotel, paying tribute to a century-long tradition begun in Philadelphia.
Organizers emphasized the celebration’s deeper purpose of honoring military history while promoting education and workforce development. Maritime career outreach will be a core component, encouraging visitors to explore opportunities within the Navy, Marine Corps, and shipbuilding industries.
George Leone, President of Homecoming 250, noted the event’s significance, saying, “Both Philly and Camden were instrumental in building and deploying ships in the Revolutionary War and over the next 200 years. Homecoming 250 wants to honor that history, support those who serve, salute our Veterans, and remind us of what unites us.”
The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration aims to educate and inspire attendees while fostering appreciation for the contributions of military service members throughout history. With its rich programming and focus on community engagement, the event promises to strengthen connections between military history and the region’s broader heritage. The legacy of these celebrations is expected to resonate far beyond 2025, as both branches continue to inspire future generations of leaders and innovators.
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