Better mark your social calendars for two major celebrations in 2025: the 250th birthdays of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Homecoming 250 is the nonprofit organizing the birthday bashes, and it recently received a $50,000 donation from WSFS Financial Corp. The financial institution presented the donation check to Homecoming 250 President George Leone at WSFS headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware.
Homecoming 250 is planning to celebrate the 250th birthdays of the Navy and Marines right where they were “born” — in Philadelphia and the Delaware River.
The official birthdate of the Navy is Oct. 13, 1775. On that day, the Continental Congress authorized the purchase of two ships to attack British supply ships. On that same day, the Congress created a naval commission to manage and regulate these ships and others the Congress anticipated adding to the fleet.
The Marines’ birthday is considered to be Nov. 10, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the raising of two battalions of soldiers to serve as a landing force for the ships it had purchased the month prior.
For the Navy’s birthday, Homecoming 250 plans to assemble ships from every major war in which the Navy has fought.
For the Marine Corps birthday, Homecoming 250 plans to gather ships important to the Corps, host the 100th Marine Corps Ball and celebrate at the site of Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, where the first Marines recruiting station was established.
These birthday celebrations are seen as a grand opening event of the 250th celebration of American Independence on July 4, 2026.
“This donation will help us host the grand opening event of the semiquincentennial,” Leone said. “It will allow us to highlight our area’s key role in the founding of the American armed services, pay tribute to the Navy and Marine Corps, honor sailors, Marines and veterans, and stage spectacular events for tourists and the citizens of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.”
“Much like our country, as well as the Navy and Marine Corps, WSFS traces its deep roots to the Greater Philadelphia region, where we have been fortunate to serve our customers and communities for nearly 200 years,” said Rodger Levenson, chairman, CEO and president of WSFS.
Homecoming 250 has confirmed that at least five Navy ships, historical vessels, a Blue Angels flyover and VIP events will make up the Navy and Marine Corps celebrations in October and November 2025. More information can be found here.
WSFS Financial Corp. is a multibillion-dollar financial services company. Its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank, is the oldest and largest locally headquartered bank and trust company in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region.
