Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps

Celebrating the Services who secured 250 years of independence.

As Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – the Semiquincentennial – Philadelphia and New Jersey will be commemorating the founding of the military services that helped the United States gain and defend our independence for 250 years. This special week will include exciting events, including the parade of Navy ships and other vessels, a spectacular flyover by the Blue Angels, special museum exhibits, tours of modern and historic ships, and much more.

These celebrations will shine a spotlight on the birthplace of our nation, honor the Navy and Marine Corps, salute our military service members and veterans, and remind us what unites us all.

✭ Most events are free and open to the public unless noted ✭

Please see the full schedule of events for event updates. Thank you for your support!

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Tours of Navy and Historic Ships

October 9, 2025 - October 16, 2025

Time: Varies; see details
Philadelphia & Camden

Families can explore an impressive lineup of historic Navy ships, including the Cruiser Olympia, submarine Becuna, and Battleship New Jersey, as well as replica Washington's Crossing boat. From October 10-15, they can also tour active-duty Navy ships, including the USS Arlington, USS Lassen, USS Cooperstown, and USS Billings. Public tours of each ship will be available at their berths in Philadelphia and Camden County.

DEPARTURE TIMES

USS ARLINGTON: 10:20 a.m. departure
USS BILLINGS: 11 a.m. departure
USS LASSEN: 9 a.m. departure

October 17:

USS COOPERSTOWN: 1 p.m. departure


See Event Details

Homecoming 250 Fireworks Over the Delaware

October 15, 2025
Time: 6 P.M. - 7:20 P.M.
Penn’s Landing and the Camden Waterfront

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, fireworks over the Delaware have moved to October 15.

The public is invited to cap off the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration with an unforgettable evening of music, history, and fireworks over the Delaware River on Wednesday, October 15. On October 15, festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with a spectacular flyover of Navy F/A-18 fighter jets soaring overhead. The event will also have live musical performances on both sides of the Delaware River, where the Navy and Marines launched their earliest ships and missions. At 7 p.m., the sky will light up with fireworks illuminating Navy, Coast Guard, and historic ships along the river. The display will be complemented by lighted vessels, cannon salutes, and synchronized music. Prime viewing locations include Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey.

Musical Performances Include:

Battleship New Jersey (100 Clinton St., Camden, NJ)
4:45 to 5:45 p.m.: 2nd Division Marine Band
6 to 7 p.m.: Quantico Marine Band

- AND -

Penn's Landing (301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA)
6 to 7 p.m. - Country Current, the Navy's premier country-bluegrass ensemble

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Marine Corps Commemoration at Independence Mall

November 10, 2025
Time: 10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
Philadelphia

A commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps founding at Independence Hall featuring remarks by military and elected officials, and more. Free and open to the public.

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100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball

November 10, 2025
Time: 6 P.M.
Bellevue Hotel, Philadelphia

For the Marine Corps 250th Celebration on Monday, November 10, 2025, we will hold the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in the same ballroom as the 1st Marine Corps Birthday Ball – the historic Grand Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. This black-tie/mess-dress event will combine the pageantry of the first Ball with the time-honored traditions of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Many more will get to view the happenings on screens at the Marine Corps Overflow Ball of the top floor of the Bellevue.

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American Swedish Historical Museum

Exhibits at Participating Museums (Summer 2025 – Winter 2026)

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, the Library Company of Philadelphia, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the American Helicopter Museum.

SEE ALL PARTICIPATING MUSEUMS

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