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 – 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 the Delaware River and the Secretary of the Navy has agreed with Homecoming 250’s efforts and has directed the Navy and Marine Corps to celebrate the Navy and Marine Corps 250th birthdays in Philadelphia and adjacent Camden, New Jersey in 2025.


This special week will serve up a diverse selection of events ensuring there's something for everyone. Ship enthusiasts will love kicking off the celebrations with the Parade of Naval and Marine Corps ships. Visitors can take a step back in time by touring historic ships like the cruiser Olympia, submarine Becuna, and Battleship New Jersey. And if you look to the skies, you’ll see a variety of heritage and active-duty aircraft highlighted by a spectacular flyover by the Blue Angels on October 13. History enthusiasts will be able to delve into many exhibits featured at several esteemed museums in Philadelphia. Race Marines and sailors at the 250th Anniversary run. Cheer on your military branch at the Army Navy Cup! No matter how you celebrate, come join us for an incredible 250th Navy and Marine Corps Birthday!


These celebrations will shine a spotlight on the birthplace of our nation, honor the Navy and Marine Corps, salute the men and women of all backgrounds who have defended America and the world for 250 years, inspire our youth and remind us what unites us.


We invite you to volunteer, donate, and help us to give our Navy, Marines, and Veterans a once-in-a-lifetime 250th celebration!

Schedule of Events on both sides of the Delaware include:

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, 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 blessing of the fleet. Locations will be announced soon. Free and open to the public.

Touring of the Ships (October 9, 2025 - October 15, 2025)
The public will be able to tour the Navy ships, Coast Guard vessels, and historic ships, including the Battleship New Jersey, Cruiser Olympia, 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.

Innovation Pavilion (October 10-15, 2025)
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.

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 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. If you're interested in becoming a vendor for the picnic, please click here.

“Victory At Sea” Concert and Aerial and Light Show (October 12, 2025)
A star-studded popular patriotic concert on Independence Mall featuring The U.S. Navy Band, a Marine Band, and other headliners, followed by aerial and sound light show. 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 fly over. 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 on 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.

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