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.

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Featured Events

Parade of Ships & Opening Ceremonies

October 9, 2025
Philadelphia & Camden waterfronts

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. Free and open to the public.

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Innovation Pavilion

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

Come to Cherry Street Pier at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and see the amazing technology being developed by and for our Navy and Marine Corps, and learn about the career opportunities in the civilian and military maritime fields. Free and open to the public on October 9 and 11, with a ticketed Maritime Industrial Base supplier conference and VIP speakers on October 10.

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Ship Tours

October 10, 2025 - October 15, 2025
Philadelphia & Camden

Families can explore an impressive lineup of historic, replica, and active-duty Navy ships, including the cruiser Olympia, Battleship New Jersey, and submarine Becuna. Public tours of each ship will be available at their berths in Philadelphia and the Camden area.

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Navy 250 Gala

October 11, 2025
National Constitution Center, Philadelphia

Homecoming 250’s Navy 250 Gala on Saturday, October 11, 2025, will celebrate the Navy’s 250th anniversary. The black-tie/mess-dress Gala will be held in the beautiful Great Hall and Overlook of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, looking out at Independence Hall where the Navy and Marine Corps were created 250 years ago.

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All Veterans Reunion Picnic

October 12, 2025
Independence Mall, Philadelphia

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.

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“Victory At Sea” Concert

October 12, 2025
615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Enjoy a star-studded popular patriotic concert on Independence Mall featuring The U.S. Navy Band, an elite Marine Band, choruses, and other headliners, and followed by fireworks. Free and open to the public.

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Marine Corps 250 Parade

October 13, 2025
Philadelphia & Camden

Watch a spectacular parade saluting those who serve and young people on the path to joining all branches of the military, including Naval Academy midshipmen and ROTC, NROTC, and JROTC students. Free and open to the public.

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Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall & Flyover by the Blue Angels

October 13, 2025
Independence Hall, Philadelphia

A commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding at Independence Hall with addresses by Navy leadership and dignitaries. The iconic Blue Angels will fly over Independence Hall as a main feature of the Navy's 250th Commemoration. Free and open to the public.

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Marine Corps Commemoration at Independence Hall

November 10, 2025
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
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 Ballroom of the 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.

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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.

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