Navy & Marines: Homecoming 250
As we all celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – the Semiquincentennial – we should also commemorate the founding of the military services that gained our independence and have defended us for 250 years. In 1775, the Navy and Marine Corps were founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and launched their fight for American independence from right here on our Delaware River. Here is more information about the events planned for this fall.
NAVY & MARINE CORPS 250TH CELEBRATION PUBLIC EVENTS
Homecoming 250 Public Schedule 3/21/25
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.homecoming250.org/
The schedule of events, key speakers, and participants’ information are tentative and/or subject to change.
Schedule of Events on both sides of the Delaware includes
– Exhibits at Participating Museums (Summer 2025 – Winter 2025)
Visit exhibits on Navy & Marine Corps history at participating museums, including: the American Swedish Historical Museum, The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, the Independence Seaport Museum, and the Library Company of Philadelphia
– Parade of Ships and Opening Ceremonies (October 9, 2025)
Join for watch parties along the Delaware River as multiple Navy ships and other vessels sail to Philadelphia and the Camden area. Their arrival at their berths will be celebrated with opening ceremonies and the blessing of the fleet. Locations will be announced soon. Free and open to the public.
– Touring of the Ships (October 9, 2025 – October 16, 2025)
The public will be able to tour the Navy ships, Coast Guard vessels, and historic ships, including the Battleship New Jersey, Cruiser Olympia, and the Submarine Becuna. We have invited ships from the American Revolution to today, including ships important to the Marine Corps. Tours will be at their berths in Philadelphia and the Camden area, and much or all touring will be free to the public.
– WHYY Preview of Ken Burns’ Documentary “The American Revolution” (October 9, 2025)
Enjoy a preview of Ken Burns’ latest documentary on “The American Revolution” on Independence Mall. Rain date: October 10th. Free and open to the public.
– Performances at Independence National Historical Park and Elsewhere by The United States Navy Band, USMC Band, and Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon (October 9-16, 2025)
The performances by these talented military organizations will be free and open to the public.
– Army-Navy Cup (October 10, 2025)
Come cheer on your favorite branch of the military at this exciting soccer showdown between the Army and Navy teams at Subaru Park in Chester. Tickets required.
– Navy-Temple Football Game (October 11, 2025)
Root for the Fleet and/or their Philadelphia hosts when Navy and Temple renew their multi-decade rivalry at Lincoln Financial Field, this time with all the pageantry the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration deserves. Tickets required.
– Navy 250 Gala (October 11, 2025)
The gala celebrating the Navy’s 250th will be held at the National Constitution Center. Toast the Navy’s 250th Birthday with naval leadership. Tickets required. Ticket prices and availability are being determined. Check back here for updates, or be among the first to get access to ticket sales by clicking here and indicating your desire to attend.
All Veterans Reunion Picnic (October 12, 2025)
– A Sunday picnic for Veterans from all armed services and their families, filling Independence Mall with a day of food, fun, and camaraderie. This event will feature Veteran Service Organizations offering resources and opportunities to those who served. Attendance is free, with food available to Veterans and their families. Veterans can click here and indicate their desire to attend the picnic.
– “Victory At Sea” Concert and Fireworks (October 12, 2025)
A star-studded, popular patriotic concert on Independence Mall featuring The U.S. Navy Band, the Marine Band, and other headliners, followed by fireworks. Free and open to the public.
– Memorial Service for Navy and Marine Corps at Christ Church (October 13, 2025)
Join to remember and honor those who gave all in the service of our country at Philadelphia’s historic Christ Church, near where the first Navy ship was commissioned.
– 250th Salute to Youth Parade (October 13, 2025)
A parade saluting young people on the path to joining all branches of the military, including Naval Academy midshipmen and ROTC, NROTC, and JROTC students. The music and fun-filled parade will conclude at Independence Mall in time for …
– Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall (October 13, 2025)
A commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding at Independence Hall with addresses by the Secretary of the Navy, the uniformed head of the Navy, and more. Free and open to the public. It will include …
– Flyover by the Blue Angels (October 13, 2025)
To commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Navy, the Blue Angels will fly over Independence Hall during the Navy 250th Commemoration and do an area-wide flyover. Other military aircraft will fly over the area on other days. Free and open to the public.
– Closing Ceremonies and Ship Departures (October 15-16, 2025)
Help send off the Navy ships as they leave Philadelphia and Camden for their home ports. Free and open to the public.
– Marine Corps Commemoration at Independence Hall (November 10, 2025)
A commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps founding at Independence Hall with addresses by the SECNAV, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and more. Free and open to the public.
– Toast the Recreation of The Tun (November 10, 2025)
The Tun, a historic tavern and birthplace of the Marine Corps, is being recreated near its original location. Come celebrate the 250th birthday of the Corps and see the progress of its reconstruction on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. It will be a gathering place for generations to come.
– 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball (November 10, 2025)
Come celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps at the birthplace of one of its most sacred traditions – the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. The 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be in the same ballroom where Commandant Lejeune held the first Marine Corps Birthday Ball 100 years before. Ticket prices and availability are being determined. Check back here for updates, or be among the first to get access to ticket sales by clicking here and indicating your desire to attend.
We have many more events in the works, and we will share them here when they are ready to be released to the public. You can also stay current on the latest information and ticket sales by signing up for our newsletter here.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.homecoming250.org/