(This article by Lt. Col. Patrick Chaisson, USA (Ret), originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

Next year, the cities of Philadelphia and Camden, N.J., plan to host the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th birthday celebrations with activities including ship tours, flyovers, a concert, and more.

Events set for October and November 2025 are in planning stages by the two cities and Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps, a charitable organization created to mark the birthdays.

The events will be part of the nation’s semiquincentennial observances, said Homecoming 250 Vice President Chief Petty Officer Monica A. Hallman, USN (Ret),who recently spoke with Military Officer about the plans.

Sailors and Marines will be returning to Philadelphia in 2025 to celebrate their services’ 250th birthdays, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has announced. Veterans of all services will be welcome to join the celebration.

Both services were born in Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress, in session on Oct. 13, 1775, authorized “the purchasing, outfitting, manning, and operations” of an American fleet. The Navy’s first ships were commissioned in Philadelphia, and its initial combat missions launched from the Delaware River.

Weeks later, on Nov. 10, 1775, Capt. Samuel Nicholas of the Continental Marines opened a recruiting location in Tun Tavern on Philadelphia’s Water Street. Four months after that, 200 Marines conducted the Corps’ first amphibious raid, against enemy forces in the Bahamas.

Now, 2½ centuries later, Homecoming 250 and its partner organizations are assembling what they call “an unprecedented display of naval history” on
the Delaware River in Philadelphia and Camden.

From Oct. 9-19, 2025, a number of historical, replica, and currently commissioned warships representing the U.S. Navy throughout its history are set to dock along the river so the public can tour them. Expect at least four active duty Navy vessels to join this flotilla, Hallman said. Planned activities also include a flyover by the Navy’s Blue Angels and other Navy and Marine aircraft, ceremonies, parades, and a 5K run.

The public will see exhibits about the Navy and Marine Corps in Philadelphia’s museums as well as equipment demonstrations at waterfront sites on both sides of the Delaware River. A “Victory at Sea” concert is planned on Independence Mall, featuring the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Marine Band, the Navy Band, and other performers, followed by fireworks over the river.

A reunion for veterans of all services will be part of the Homecoming 250 commemoration as well as a Maritime Exposition and Workforce Outreach, an academic symposium, and school programs.

On Nov. 10, 2025, the 100th Marine Corps Ball is set for the same Philadelphia ballroom where Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune and Maj. Gen. Smedley D. Butler held the first Marine Corps Ball in 1925. To see the schedule of events or to volunteer or donate, go to the Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps website.

Lt. Col. Patrick Chaisson, USA (Ret), is a writer and historian.