PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Naval and Coast Guard ships are parading down the Delaware River Thursday morning as the Navy and Marine Corps celebrate 250 years of service.
A parade of at least 10 ships kicks off several events commemorating the 250-year legacy of the Navy and Marine Corps, called Homecoming 250.
“The significance of that right for us is heritage and tradition,” said Gunnery Sgt. Layne Szymanski.
He said this event and others surrounding the 250th birthday help remind people that the Navy and Marine Corps were born in Philadelphia.
“Get that image out there of like, hey, this is what we do. Show the American people this is your military today,” he added. “But being able to get back to the community is the biggest part for us at the end of the day.”
Homecoming 250 has several events scheduled over the next week, including battleship tours and a veterans reunion picnic. Additional events are scheduled for November.
Lt. j.g. Kyle Beltram, bandmaster and conductor of the U.S. Navy Band, noted that these celebrations coincide with the Navy Band’s 100th birthday.
“We’re celebrating a bit of a double milestone,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be part of this event. It’s an honor to serve … doing the thing full-time.”
A variety of ships and naval academy sailboats will take part in the parade, and many of them will dock and be open for public tours until next Thursday, Oct. 16.
For more information, visit homecoming250.org, or find a full schedule of events here. Most events are free unless otherwise noted.
City road closures can be found here.