Homecoming 250 will kick off the nation’s semiquincentennial with a celebration of the two services.
The Navy and Marine Corps will return to their birthplace in Philadelphia this fall for the national celebration of their 250th anniversaries.
The party starts Oct. 9 with a grand parade of ships up the Delaware River, launching a series of tours, concerts, demonstrations, athletic events, a Navy 250th commemoration and other activities through Oct. 16. And on Nov. 10, Marines past and present will toast the rebuilding of the historic Tun tavern before their own 250th commemoration and a 100th birthday ball in the same hotel where Commandant John Lejeune held the first in 1925.
Years in the making, Homecoming 250 is the idea of George Leone, a former New Jersey Superior Court judge whose love for military history comes from being the son of a World War II naval aviator and working as a law clerk for Judge James Hunter III, a Marine Corps veteran, on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Camden, N.J.
“This is a great opening for the semiquincentennial by reminding people how important the services were in gaining and defending our independence,” Leone says. “It’s also designed to remind us what unites us.”
For The American Legion, Homecoming 250 and other celebrations of this year’s milestone birthdays of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps are an opportunity to salute their legacy. During last week’s Spring Meetings in Indianapolis, the Legion’s National Executive Committee passed a resolution calling on every level of the organization to actively participate in and promote semiquincentennial commemorations and observances of the services.
Homecoming 250 will honor the past with ceremonies at Independence Hall, where the Continental Navy and Continental Marines were created, as well as a memorial service and special exhibits at area museums. It will highlight, too, what today’s Navy and Marine Corps can do, showing off ships, aircraft and other assets.
With the military struggling to find recruits, young people need to know that serving their country is an option, Leone says. That in mind, two of Homecoming 250’s biggest events are a veterans picnic and a “Salute to Youth” parade honoring those on the path to service.
“This is their day,” he says. “We’re going to give them the celebration they deserve.”
WHERE TO BE, WHAT TO SEE AT HOMECOMING 250
Parade of ships, opening ceremonies (Oct. 9) – Join watch parties along the Delaware River as multiple Navy ships and other vessels sail to Philadelphia and the Camden area. Locations to be announced.
Ship tours (Oct. 9-15) – The public is invited to tour Navy ships, Coast Guard vessels and historic ships, including the battleship New Jersey, the cruiser Olympia and the submarine Becuna. Ships from the American Revolution to today have been invited. Much or all touring will be free to the public.
Performances at Independence National Historical Park and other sites (Oct. 9-16) – Enjoy music from the U.S. Navy Band and U.S. Marine Corps bands, and exhibitions by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
WHYY preview of Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” (Oct. 9) – Watch a preview of the award-winning filmmaker’s new documentary at Independence Mall.
Army-Navy Cup (Oct. 10) – Cheer on your favorite service branch at a soccer showdown at Subaru Park in Chester. Tickets required.
Navy-Temple football game (Oct. 11) – The multidecade rivalry is renewed at Lincoln Financial Field, this time with the pageantry of the Navy’s 250th birthday. Tickets required.
Navy 250 Gala (Oct. 11) – Toast the Navy’s 250th at the National Constitution Center with naval leaders. Ticket prices and availability to be determined.
All Veterans Reunion Picnic (Oct. 12) – Veterans of all services and their families are invited to a Sunday picnic at Independence Mall. Veterans service organizations will be there, too, offering resources and more.
“Victory At Sea” concert (Oct. 12) – Enjoy a star-studded patriotic concert on Independence Mall with the U.S. Navy Band and “The Commandant’s Own” Marine Drum & Bugle Corps.
Memorial service for Navy and Marine Corps at Christ Church (Oct. 13) – Honor those who gave all in
service of the nation at Philadelphia’s historic Christ Church, near where the first Navy ship was commissioned.
250th Salute to Youth Parade (Oct. 13) – Enjoy a parade recognizing young people on the path to service in all branches of the military, including Naval Academy midshipmen and ROTC, NROTC and JROTC students.
Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall (Oct. 13) – Honor the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding at Independence Hall with addresses by the Navy secretary and other officials.
Flyover by the Blue Angels (Oct. 13) – The world-famous flight demonstration squadron will fly over Independence Hall during the Navy commemoration.
Marine Corps 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall (Nov. 10) – Honor the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps’ founding at Independence Hall with addresses by the Navy secretary, the Marine Corps commandant and other officials.
Toast the recreation of the Tun (Nov. 10) – The historic tavern and birthplace of the Marine Corps is being recreated near its original location. Celebrate the 250th birthday of the Corps by seeing the progress of its reconstruction on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut streets.
100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball (Nov. 10) – Celebrate 250 years of the Corps in the ballroom where Commandant John Lejeune held the first Marine Corps birthday ball a century ago. Ticket prices and availability to be determined.
Go to homecoming250.org for a complete and updated schedule of events.
- Honor & Remembrance