Philadelphia Hosts Grand Celebration for Navy and Marine Corps 250th Anniversary
PHILADELPHIA — The banks of the Delaware River became a hub of excitement and reflection as both young and seasoned Marines and Navy personnel gathered to honor their service and remember those who have sacrificed their lives. As the majestic military vessels made their way up the river, they captivated both the city and the world.
This past Thursday marked the beginning of Homecoming 250, a weeklong celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, both established in Philadelphia in 1775. The opening ceremony at Mustin Field in the Navy Yard drew hundreds of veterans, active-duty members, families, and officials.
The festivities kicked off with a grand parade and will feature a variety of events, including ship tours along the Philadelphia and Camden waterfronts, parades, concerts, family activities, and a run up the iconic Rocky Steps for Marines and Sailors. The event, expected to draw up to 300,000 attendees, is seen as a precursor to the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026.
“This week kicks off the year of celebration and commemoration to celebrate America’s birthday right here in Philadelphia,” declared Gov. Josh Shapiro. “The eyes of the world are going to be on our city and our Commonwealth.”
Before the naval fleet appeared, speeches highlighting the historical significance of the region in founding the Marines and Navy were delivered by Shapiro, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. The Second Continental Congress established a Continental Navy in October 1775, and the U.S. Marine Corps traces its origins back to a recruiting station at the Tun.
“It’s a proud moment for our city,” expressed Parker.
Organized over five years by George Leone, a retired New Jersey Superior Court judge and former Philadelphia assistant district attorney, the event is the largest Semiquincentennial tribute to the military and veterans in the country. Leone, whose father served in the Navy during World War II, shared his emotional connection to the celebration.
“Philadelphia has been a Navy town for 250 years,” said Leone. “Camden built ships for the Navy like there was no tomorrow in the Second World War. This city and this area have supported the Navy and the Marine Corps with heroes and service members for so many years. We want to honor them.”
Veterans shared stories of their service as they gathered at the Navy Yard’s Riverfront Greenway. Gene Reilly, 82, reminisced about joining the Marines in 1961 and serving at Pearl Harbor as a military police officer. His daughter, Jacque, made sure he witnessed the ships this year, honoring his lifelong pride as a Marine.
Nearby, Eric McCoy, 70, of Atlantic City, reflected on his journey into the Marines after a mistaken identity incident in high school. A radioman during the Saigon evacuation in 1975, McCoy expressed how military service provided him with a sense of belonging and purpose.
New Jersey Assemblywoman Melinda Kane, a Gold Star Mother, attended the event in memory of her son, Jeremy, a Marine reservist who died in Afghanistan. “He would just think this is all so incredibly cool,” she said, imagining her son enjoying the spectacle.
The event crescendoed as the ships appeared on the horizon, accompanied by the powerful rendition of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” sung by soprano Jillian Patricia Pirtle. A legacy formation of fighter planes soared overhead as the USS Arlington, an amphibious warship, led the eight visiting Navy ships and Coast Guard vessels into view.
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