Homecoming 250 has raised more than $3 million to help support an upcoming monumental celebration for the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
Donors from corporations and foundations generously presented the funds to support and honor the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marines, which will be held from Oct. 9-16 in Philadelphia and Camden. Additional celebrations will be held on Nov. 10.
The announced contributions represent more than 30 percent of the foundations’s $10 million fundraising goal. Organizers targeted Philadelphia and the Delaware River as the setting due to its historical significance involving the military.
“The Navy and Marine Corps were both founded in Philadelphia,” said George Leone, president of Homecoming 250. “Both Philly and Camden were instrumental in building and deploying ships in the Revolutionary War and over the next 200 years. Homecoming 250 wants to honor that history, support those who serve, salute our veterans and remind us of what unites us.”
The event will represent both the grand opening and the largest gathering of the country’s semiquincentennial as the city prepares for the national spotlight heading into 2026. Highlights of the weeklong lineup of activities include a grand parade of ships up the Delaware River featuring historic, replica and active-duty Navy vessels that will be available for public tours and a thrilling aerial demonstration by the elite pilots of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
The celebration will also feature events at Independence Mall, including an All Veterans Reunion Picnic, a Salute to Youth Parade, a concert by Navy and Marine Corps bands and the Navy 250th Commemoration on its Oct. 13 birthday.
The festivities culminate with a momentous celebration of the Marine Corps 250th Birthday on Nov. 10, including a Marine Corps 250th Commemoration, events at the site of The Tun re-creation and the highly anticipated 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, where the first Marine Corps Birthday Ball was held.
“This extraordinary support from Philadelphia-area and national corporations, foundations, charities and individuals underscores the recognition of the crucial role of the Navy and Marine Corps in winning and preserving our freedoms, the honor due those who serve and have served in our armed forces and the importance of this celebration for the Philadelphia area and the whole country,” said Leone. “These funds have launched our celebration. We look forward to additional contributions from others who care about our military, our area and our nation to ensure that we deliver a celebration worthy of this 250-year legacy.”
