The Navy and Marine Corps celebrate the services that have secured 250 years of independence.
While the nation gears up for its 250th birthday next July, two legendary military branches are about to hit their quarter-millennium milestone first. Both the Navy and Marine Corps were established in the fall of 1775—months before the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Continental Congress voted the Navy into existence on October 13, while the Marines were born in a Philadelphia tavern on November 10.
That's right—these defenders of freedom are older than the nation they've sworn to protect for 250 years!
There are tens of thousands of nonprofits dedicated to the military and veterans sector—civil society in action!—and of those, many will be celebrating both the Navy and Marine Corps birthdays this fall. In particular, there is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps bringing the national celebration of the Navy and Marine Corps 250th birthdays to the east coast in October and November.
The Semiquincentennial’s opening events will be in Greater Philadelphia. As the birthplace of both the Marine Corps and our nation, Philadelphia will serve as the perfect backdrop for these historic celebrations. In true go big or go home fashion, over 300,000 people are expected to attend the week-long festivities.
The celebration kicks off on October 9 along the Delaware River with a Parade of Ships and opening ceremony featuring at least eight Navy ships, two Coast Guard vessels, and many more historic ships like the cruiser Olympia, submarine Becuna, and Battleship New Jersey. After the initial blessing of the fleet, tours of various ships will be available through October 15.
On October 9, the Army-Navy Cup soccer showdown will be live at Subaru Park in Chester. The following day will be the Navy-Temple football game—a multi-decade rivalry at Lincoln Financial Field. Tickets for the sporting events will be available for purchase.
Free and open to the public (vendor booths available), the All Veterans Reunion Picnic will be hosted on October 12 filling Independence Mall with patriots and their families.
Near the end of the week of festivities, there will be a flyover by the Navy’s Blue Angels on October 13 over Independence Hall.
There are also a number of museums with special exhibits running through Winter 2026, including The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, Independence Seaport Museum, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the American Helicopter Museum.
Then, on November 10, with a focus on the USMC, the celebration will conclude with Marine Corps Commemoration at Independence Hall featuring remarks from the SECNAV and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. This event is free and open to the public.
Excitingly, there is a taskforce recreating Tun Tavern, the historic birthplace of the Marine Corps. A toast will be hosted on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut, also on the 10th.
For those looking for a formal affair, the Navy 250 Gala will be on October 11 at the National Constitution Center and the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be on November 10 in the same ballroom it was first hosted 100 years ago.
As we look to honor 250 years of faithful service, consider how you can get involved with Homecoming 250—as a sponsor, volunteer, donor, or by spreading the word about this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. And as the daughter, niece, and cousin of veteran Marines, and the granddaughter of a veteran sailor, I am very much looking forward to celebrating these historic anniversaries.
Reach out to George S. Leone President and Chair, Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps at george.leone@homecoming250.org for more information. You can also learn more by visiting www.homecoming250.org.
