Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps

Thanks to the Directors and Officers of Homecoming 250 who worked for five years to make this dream a reality. Thanks to the former and serving Secretaries of the Navy who supported and advised us, and ultimately approved celebrating the Navy and Marine Corps 250th birthdays at their birthplace. Thanks to the leaders of Fleet Forces, HQMC, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Naval History and Heritage Command, the Coast Guard, and others who directed the ships and aircraft, bands and drill platoons, historical materials, and most importantly the Sailors and Marines coming to Philadelphia and Camden County. Thanks to the leaders of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Philadelphia and Camden, and the National Park Service for welcoming them and working with Homecoming 250 to host the Celebration. Thanks to the Navy and Marine Corps planners, active-duty, civilians, and reservists far from home, who laid the detailed organization that made it work. Thanks to the historic ships, museums, sports teams, veterans and military organizations, and other partners who opened their doors and helped in so many ways. Thanks to our sponsors and donors who made it possible for Homecoming 250 to mount the wonderful events it did. And thanks to all the volunteers who freely gave their time, energy, and ideas. No one can thank you enough for your dedication, effort, skill, flexibility, and ability to triumph over adversity.

And congratulations for the triumphs you accomplished, despite adversity including a record government shutdown and unseasonable Nor’easter: the fascinating exhibits in ten museums on the Navy and Marines’ centuries of service, the impressive Parade of Ships, the week of touring proud Navy ships and historical sites, the thrilling daily flyovers and aviation events, the inspiring Opening Ceremony and Navy and Marine Corps 250th Commemorations, the pageantry-filled Navy soccer and football matches, the star-studded Navy 250 Gala, the superb Victory at Sea Concert and other musical and drill performances, the BOAT (best of all time) Navy & Marine Corps 250th Parade, the spectacular Fireworks over the Delaware, and the memorable 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball where it all began. You all gave the Navy, Marine Corps, and Philadelphia area the historic Homecoming and the 250th Celebration they deserved!

- George Leone
President, Homecoming250

Featured Events

Parade of Ships & Opening Ceremony

October 9, 2025


Along the Delaware River and at the Navy Yard

An unprecedented Parade of Ships sailed up the Delaware River, featuring the USS Arlington, USS Lassen, USS Cooperstown, USS Billings, and many more as they arrived in Philadelphia and Camden County. The celebration also included an impressive flyover by Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. Guests gathered at watch party locations throughout the region to take in this historic moment.

See Live Stream

Innovation Pavilion

October 9, 2025 - October 11, 2025
Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphia, PA

The public was invited to visit the Innovation Pavilion and explore breakthrough technologies developed for the Navy and Marine Corps by leading innovators in maritime, defense, and manufacturing. The experience featured hands-on demonstrations and engaging programming designed to inspire the next generation.

Naval innovation gets spotlight during Homecoming 250 celebration

Tours of Navy and Historic Ships

October 9, 2025 - October 16, 2025

Location: Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia, PA; Camden Waterfront, NJ. Duration: October 9-16

Throughout the Celebration, visitors explored historic and active-duty vessels along the Delaware River, showcasing key moments in U.S. Navy and Marine Corps history.
Battleship New Jersey – The most decorated Navy ship afloat, with service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War.

Cruiser Olympia – A legendary vessel from the Spanish-American War and World War I, whose Marines escorted the Unknown Soldier from France to Arlington National Cemetery.

Submarine Becuna – A World War II– and Cold War–era submarine representing the evolution of undersea warfare.

Washington’s Crossing Boat – A replica of the Durham boats used during the Revolutionary War, linking Washington’s victory at Trenton to the Marines’ first engagement at Princeton.



See Event Details

“Victory At Sea” Concert

October 12, 2025
Temple University’s Performing Arts Center, 1837 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

The highly anticipated concert was successfully held indoors, bringing together a star-studded lineup and an enthusiastic audience for an unforgettable evening of music. Hosted by Rob Riggle, the event featured standout performances by Patti LaBelle, Justin Guarini, Rhonda Vincent, The U.S. Navy Band, and The Commandant’s Own Marine Drum & Bugle Corps. Audiences were able to experience the celebration both in person and via livestream, ensuring broad public access to this marquee moment.

"Victory at Sea" Concert

Navy & Marine Corps 250 Parade Presented by Walmart

October 13, 2025
JFK Blvd & 20th St. to 520 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

The public enjoyed a two-hour parade spectacle featuring floats, balloons, and marching bands from local schools and the Navy and Marine Corps. The parade also honored young people on the path to military service, including Naval Academy midshipmen, ROTC, NROTC, and JROTC students, as well as Sea Cadets. The procession stepped off at JFK Boulevard and 20th Street, concluded at Independence Mall, and culminated with a dramatic Leap Frogs parachute jump. The event was free and open to the public.

US Navy and Marine Corps 250 Parade

Navy 250th Commemoration

October 13, 2025

Marian Anderson Hall, at 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA

The 250th Anniversary of the Navy’s founding was commemorated with official addresses from the Secretary of the Navy, the uniformed head of the Navy, and other distinguished speakers. The ceremony also featured performances by The U.S. Navy Band, the Navy Ceremonial Guard, and a thrilling appearance by the Blue Angels. The event was free and open to the public.

Philly celebrates 250th birthday of Navy and Marine Corps. with parade

Homecoming 250 Fireworks Over the Delaware

October 15, 2025
Penn’s Landing and the Camden Waterfront

The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration concluded with an unforgettable evening of music, history, and fireworks over the Delaware River on Wednesday, October 15. Festivities began at 5 p.m. with live musical performances on both sides of the river, honoring the historic waterways where the Navy and Marine Corps launched their earliest ships and missions. The evening was preceded by a military jet flyover and culminated at 7 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated Navy, Coast Guard, and historic ships along the river. The celebration was enhanced by lighted vessels, cannon salutes, synchronized music, and prime public viewing from 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

Fireworks cap Navy and Marine Corps 250th celebration

100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball

November 10, 2025
Bellevue Hotel, Philadelphia

The 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps was celebrated at the birthplace of one of its most cherished traditions—the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Homecoming 250 hosted the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in the same ballroom where Commandant Lejeune held the inaugural celebration a century ago, the Grand Ballroom of the historic Bellevue Hotel. Additional guests viewed the celebration via screens at the Marine Corps Overflow Ball on the top floor of the Bellevue. Tickets were required to attend.

Marine 100 Birthday Ball Event
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

Homecoming 250 — Event Overview

Homecoming 250 was a landmark, citywide celebration honoring the 250th anniversaries of the United States Navy and Marine Corps in their birthplace—Philadelphia. The event brought together historic and active-duty ships along the Delaware River, ceremonial programming, live performances, and public gatherings across the region.

Through immersive experiences and large-scale moments, Homecoming 250 connected the city’s rich maritime history with the present-day service of the Navy and Marine Corps, welcoming residents and visitors alike to commemorate 250 years of legacy, service, and sacrifice.

Watch Video Here

Homecoming 250 Shirts

Celebrate in style with this special commemorative tee! If you joined our Philly celebrations, it’s a must-have keepsake. Even if you couldn’t make it, it’s still a fantastic way to mark the 250th anniversary.

Designed like a classic concert tee, the shirt features the Homecoming 250 logo on the front. The back showcases “Homecoming 250 Tour” along with the names and dates of significant Navy campaigns from 1775 to today.

Buy Your Shirt Today!

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