HOMECOMING 250: Celebrating the 250th Birthdays of the Navy and Marine Corps at their Birthplace

To kickoff America's celebration of its 250 years of independence, Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps will honor the men and women who gained and continue to defend our independence. Through our efforts, the Secretary of the Navy has announced that the Navy and Marine Corps should celebrate their 250th birthdays in their birthplace, Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ. Homecoming 250 will salute their 250 years of distinguished service by hosting spectacular events, ceremonies, parades, aerial
demonstrations, exhibitions, and educational programs featuring historic buildings, ships, museums, and waterfront sites on both sides of the Delaware River.

The celebration will include historical, replica, and active-duty ships representing the Navy from the Revolution to today, including ships important to the Marine Corps, in the greatest display of naval history ever. The celebration also will feature aviation displays by the Blue Angels, historic and current Navy and Marine aircraft, and Marine vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The Marines will demonstrate their landing craft and equipment, and the Navy SEALs and Leap Frogs Parachute Team will participate. Philadelphia Museums will showcase the rich history of the Navy and Marine Corps from the inception of our nation to the present day.

THE 100TH MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL 

On November 10th, 2025, Homecoming 250 will host the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in the same Philadelphia ballrooms where Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune held the 1st Marine Corps Birthday Ball on November 10th, 1925. At the historic Ben Franklin and Bellevue Ballrooms, this annual tradition was launched with distinguished guests, including the Secretary of the Navy, Commandant Lejeune, and Marine hero Smedley Butler. Having the 100th Ball at the very spot where it all started is a unique way to honor this special tradition and the Marine Corps 250th.

THE TUN REBORN

In 1775, the first Marines were recruited in The Tun, the historic Philadelphia tavern that became the birthplace of the Corps and helped give birth to the Navy and other organizations. Homecoming 250 is partnered with The Tun Legacy Foundation, the charity recreating The Tun, and is planning the celebration of The Tun’s recreation as an operating tavern that will serve as a gathering place for Marines, tourists, area residents, and others for decades to come.

ADDITIONAL PLANNED EVENTS INCLUDE: 

• Navy 250th Gala
• All Veterans Reunion Picnic
• Navy & Marine Corps Run
• NFL Salute
• Leadership Summit
• Veterans/Midshipmen’s Parade Academic Symposium
• Historical Site Tours

LIVE PERFORMANCES

The celebration will include a “Victory at Sea” concert on Independence Mall, featuring the Marine Band, the Navy Band, and possibly the Philadelphia Orchestra and other performers. These performances will be followed by a dramatic fireworks and/or drone show.