Celebrating Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps

As America prepares for the Semiquincentennial in 2026, Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps plans to celebrate the 250th birthdays of the military services that gained and defend our independence. Homecoming 250™ is the charity bringing the celebration of the Navy and the Marine Corps 250th birthdays to Philadelphia and the Delaware River where they were born on October 13 and November 10, 1775. 

As a result, the Secretary of the Navy has announced that the Navy and Marine Corps will celebrate their 250th birthdays in Philadelphia and Camden in 2025. We helped hold a preparatory Navy and Marine Week in October 2023, which included a Navy ship where the first ship was commissioned, the Marine Silent Drill Team at Independence Hall, community outreach and performances by the Sailors and Marines, a service at the grave of the Father of the U.S. Navy, and Homecoming 250’s Navy & Marine Corps Gala at which the Secretary and other leaders spoke.

We will hold the 100th Marine Corps Ball in Philadelphia, where General Lejeune held the 1st Marine Corps Ball in 1925, and recreate the historic colonial tavern in which the Marine Corps was born. A recreated Tun Tavern, operated by a charity, will be a destination for Marines and others for decades to come. 

The Navy and Marine Corps 250th Celebration will also include ceremonies, parades, aerial demonstrations, veterans’ gatherings, heritage organizations, and exhibits about the Navy and Marines, featuring Philadelphia’s World Heritage buildings and superb museums.

We thank the President General and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution for its support of the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration. We also want the DAR’s State Societies, Chapters, and members to get involved. We welcome volunteers using the renowned DAR skill and enthusiasm to help plan and where possible participate in events. We appreciate you using the widespread DAR network to spread the word about the 250th Celebration. We particularly appreciate donations to enable us to give those who served and serve the 250th celebration they deserve!

To learn more, volunteer, and donate, go to www.homecoming250.org.