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!

- Exhibits at Participating Museums (Summer 2025 – Fall 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
- Array of Navy Ships (October 9, 2025 - October 16, 2025)
Ships from all of American History (from the American Revolution to today, including ships important to the Marine Corps) will be available for tour on the Delaware river. These ships include: The Battleship New Jersey, Cruiser Olympia, the Submarine Becuna and many more.
- Parade of Ships up the Delaware (October 9, 2025)
Join for watch parties along the Delaware river as the historical and Navy ships arrive in Philadelphia for their fabulous display. Watch party locations will be announced soon. Free and open 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
- Performance at Independence Hall Park of the US Navy Band, US Marine Band and Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon (October 9, 2025)
- Army-Navy Cup (October 9, 2025)
Come cheer on your favorite branch of the military at this exciting showdown between the Army and Navy teams at Subaru Park in West Chester. Tickets required.
- 250th Navy Birthday Gala (October 11, 2025)
A gala celebrating 250 years of the Navy held at the National Constitution Center. Tickets required but not available at the moment. Please check back here for updates or join our mailing list to be among the first to get access to ticket sales by clicking here.
All Veterans Reunion Picnic (October 12, 2025)
- A Sunday picnic for veterans from all armed services to enjoy food trucks and fun with their families on Independence Mall, providing a day of camaraderie, remembrance and celebration. This event will feature various Veteran Service Organizations offering support, resources, and information to honor and assist those who have served. Advance registration required but not available yet. Please check back here for updates or join our mailing list to be among the first to get access to registration.
sales by clicking here.- “Victory At Sea” Concert (October 12, 2025)
Concert on Independence Mall with the U.S. Navy Band, Marine Band and other headliners.
- Naval Commemoration at Independence Hall (October 13, 2025)
A commemoration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding at Independence Hall with addresses by SECNAV, CNO, CMC+. Free and open to the public.
- Flyover by the Blue Angels (October 13, 2025)
To commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Navy’s founding at independence hall, the Blue Angels will do an area wide fly over. Free and open to the public.
- Memorial Service for Navy and Marine Corps at Christ Church (October 13, 2025)
Join to commemorate those we’ve lost in the service of their country at the historic Christ Church in Philadelphia.
- Ship Departures (October 16, 2025)
Help send off the historical ships as they leave Philadelphia for their home ports.
- 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 SECNAV, CNO, CMC+. Free and open to the public.
- Marine Corps 100th Birthday Ball (November 10, 2025)
A gala celebrating 250 years of the Marines in the same ballroom where General Lejeune held the first Marine Corps Birthday Ball 100 years before. Tickets required but not available yet. Please check back here for updates or join our mailing list to be among the first to get access to ticket sales by clicking here
- Toast the Recreation of The Tun (November 10, 2025)
The Tun, a historic Tavern and birthplace of the marines, is being recreated so it can be enjoyed for generations to come on 2nd street between Market and Chestnut Sts.

We have many more events in the works for you and when they are ready to be released to the public, we will share them here or you can stay up to date on the latest information and ticket sales by signing up for our newsletter here.

Please note, the schedule of events, key speakers, and participants’ information are subject to change.

To learn more, click on the images below or use the Menu or Search tools above.