George Leone, ’82, Plans 250th Birthday Festivities for the Navy and Marine Corps in Philadelphia
Philadelphia will kick off America’s 250th birthday with a birthday bash for the Navy and the Marine Corp
When George Leone began thinking about America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the retired New Jersey Superior Court judge and former Philadelphia assistant district attorney did not want to see Philly blow its chance in the spotlight.
So, the South Jersey native and son of a World War II Naval officer started planning a party of his own. One that could jump-start Philadelphia’s celebrations of the Semiquincentennial, as the national milestone is called, while honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans everywhere.
That weeklong bash, a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, both founded in Philly in 1775, is now a reality.
Known as Homecoming 250 — and running from Oct. 9, 2025 to Oct. 16, 2025 — the event will serve as a grand inaugural for Philadelphia’s 250th celebrations. Festivities will include a grand parade of ships on the Delaware River, ship tours, balls, concerts, commemorations, and family events. There will be a historical symposium on Naval and Marine Corps’ history hosted by the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University and a special preview screening of filmmaker Ken Burns’ forthcoming documentary, “ The American Revolution.”
As of now, Leone anticipates eight visiting Navy vessels and two Coast Guard cutters to dock alongside the three historic ships anchored along the Philly and Camden waterfronts, which all together will represent nearly every American war. Scores of military brass — including every living Secretary of the Navy dating back to President Lyndon Johnson — and as many as 300,000 people are expected to attend Homecoming 250.
The event that Leone, 67, of Haddonfield, and a dedicated band of dozens of veterans and volunteers began organizing from scratch five years ago, is planned as the largest Semiquincentennial event honoring the military and veterans in the nation.
“It’s been a wonderful experience to see how people can come together for an event that reminds us what unites us,” Leone said.
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