The Philadelphia region is gearing up for a grand celebration to mark the 250th anniversaries of the United States Navy and Marine Corps this fall.
The official national commemoration, known as the Navy and Marine Corps 250th Celebration, will take place from October 9 to October 16, with additional events planned from November 7 to November 11, as announced by Homecoming 250.
This celebration is anticipated to attract visitors from across the United States to Philadelphia, Camden, New Jersey, and the Delaware River waterfront.
“This fall, we’re not just commemorating history; we’re creating it,” stated Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
The thrilling event will encompass daily tours of naval ships, a nationally televised concert, a patriotic parade, and awe-inspiring flyovers by the Blue Angels, promising a once-in-a-generation celebration.
Kicking off the festivities on October 9 will be the Parade of Ships, showcasing ten Navy and Coast Guard vessels, including the USS Arlington, USS Lassen, USS Billings, and USS Cooperstown, along with two Coast Guard cutters.
George Leone, president of Homecoming 250, remarked, “The sight of these Navy ships sailing up the Delaware River will be nothing short of awe-inspiring.”
The parade will also feature two USNA MKII 44′ midshipmen training sailboats and two USNA YP 686-class midshipmen training patrol crafts.
From October 10 to October 15, the vessels will be docked at four locations, welcoming the public for free tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Among the additional events are an All Veterans Reunion Picnic, set to be judged by celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, and the nationally televised Victory at Sea Concert featuring the U.S. Navy Band and the Commandant’s Own United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
A significant highlight on October 13—marking the Navy’s 250th birthday—will include a Navy & Marine Corps 250th Parade and a Blue Angels flyover over Independence Hall.
Spectacular flyovers are expected to occur throughout the celebration, enhancing the overall patriotic atmosphere.
Here is a detailed schedule of selected events and activities related to the commemoration:
**Thursday, October 9:**
– **Parade of Ships:** Spectators can witness a grand maritime procession with ten Navy and Coast Guard ships making their way up the historic Delaware River. The Opening Ceremony at the Navy Yard will feature a traditional Blessing of the Fleet, marking the official start of the festivities.
Watch parties will be held at various locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, free and open to the public.
– **Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier:** From noon to 4 p.m., the public can explore breakthrough technologies from leading innovators in maritime, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Registration is required, and the event is free.
– **WHYY Preview of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution:** Homecoming 250 invites the public to an exclusive screening of Ken Burns’ historical documentary at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion at 7 p.m., followed by a conversation with Burns conducted by WHYY’s Terry Gross. Registration is required, and the preview is free.
**Friday, October 10:**
– **Innovation Pavilion:** Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the pavilion will host industry leaders and panelists for a day full of networking and discussions focused on the future of American manufacturing and defense. A ticket will be required for entry.
– **Navigating the Past Conference Part 1:** This two-part conference will be held at the Kislak Center in the Van Pelt Library from 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., emphasizing the formative years of the Navy and Marine Corps from 1775 to 1850. This event is free, but a ticket is needed for entry.
– **Army-Navy Cup:** The 14th annual Army-Navy Cup soccer match will occur at Subaru Park, featuring both men’s and women’s matches this year. The women’s game kicks off at 4 p.m., followed by the men’s match at 7 p.m. Tickets are required.
**Saturday, October 11:**
– **Innovation Pavilion:** From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can learn about workforce opportunities in shipbuilding and maritime industries, with hands-on demonstrations and career exploration experiences available. This event is free and open to the public.
– **Navigating the Past Conference Part 2:** Focusing on modern legacy and evolution, this second day at Battleship New Jersey will feature engaging talks from distinguished historians. The symposium runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to the public; ticket requirements apply.
– **Navy-Temple Football Game:** Hosted at Lincoln Financial Field, this historic rivalry game adds excitement to the celebration. Tickets are required for entry.
– **U.S. Navy and Marine Corps 2.50-Mile Run:** Further details will be disclosed closer to the event date.
– **Navy 250 Gala:** Taking place at 6 p.m. at the National Constitution Center, this gala will celebrate the Navy’s 250th birthday. Ticket requirements apply.
**Sunday, October 12:**
– **Old St. Mary’s Mass and Wreath Laying:** At 10 a.m., a special Mass followed by a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at Old St. Mary’s Church in honor of Commodore John Barry, the “Father of the U.S. Navy.” This event is free and open to the public.
– **All Veterans Reunion Picnic:** Held from noon to 5 p.m. at Independence Mall, the picnic welcomes veterans and their families, featuring food competitions judged by Chef Irvine, along with fun activities and support from Veteran service organizations. Free and open to all.
– **Victory at Sea Concert:** Starting at 6 p.m. on Independence Mall, this concert will celebrate patriotism with performances from the U.S. Navy Band and the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, culminating with fireworks. This event is also free and open to the public.
**Monday, October 13:**
– **Flag Raising Ceremony:** Specific details will be announced later.
– **Thanksgiving & Remembrance Ceremony:** At Christ Church at 9:30 a.m., the public is invited to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service. The event is free.
– **Navy & Marine Corps 250th Parade:** The main parade commences at 11 a.m., featuring over 7,000 participants, including marching bands and military honors, ending at Independence Mall. Free and open to the public.
– **Navy 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall:** Scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m., this event will include remarks by public officials celebrating the Navy’s anniversary. It is free and open to everyone.
– **Blue Angels Flyover:** Attendees of the commemorative event will also witness a spectacular flyover by the Blue Angels. Free to the public.
– **Leadership Summit & Conversation:** A networking reception at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia will follow, featuring discussions with Navy and Marine Corps leaders. Ticket requirements apply.
**Reoccurring Daily Events (October 10 – October 15):**
– **Ship Tours:** Daily tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. allow families to explore an impressive lineup of Navy ships, including the Cruiser Olympia and Battleship New Jersey, free of charge.
**Additional Celebrations in November:**
Homecoming 250 will present more events from November 7 to November 11 to honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.
**Monday, November 10:**
– **Ceremony at the Resting Place of the First Commandant:** At 9 a.m. at the Arch Street Meeting House, a ceremony will honor Samuel Nicholas, the first commandant of the Marine Corps. This event is free but space is limited.
– **Marine Corps 250th Commemoration at Independence Hall:** At 10:30 a.m., public officials will honor the Marine Corps’ founding. The event is free and open to the public.
– **100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball:** The public is invited to celebrate at 6 p.m. at the Bellevue Hotel. This gala commemorates a century of the Birthday Ball tradition. Tickets will be required for attendance.
**Museum Exhibits for Visitors to Explore:**
Visitors are encouraged to check out special exhibits in Philadelphia and Camden throughout the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration, offering insights into the proud history and contributions of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Independence Seaport Museum is showcasing “Small but Mighty!” and “Patriots & Pirates” exhibits.
The Battleship New Jersey Museum focuses on the history of shipbuilding along the Delaware River, while other museums such as the American Swedish Historical Museum and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania present unique insights related to naval history.
In conclusion, to stay informed about the upcoming Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration activities and events, visit Homecoming 250’s website.
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