Marching Bands Celebrate U.S. Navy’s 250th Anniversary in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A parade featuring a multitude of marching bands took place on Monday, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, which was commissioned in Philadelphia in 1775 for the Revolutionary War.

Hundreds gathered in downtown Philadelphia to witness this spectacular event, which also included color guards, floats, historical reenactors, and cavalry dressed in formal uniforms. Despite the light rain, many attendees expressed their excitement and pride in celebrating this milestone.

Michelle Jacobs and her sister, Pola Rychlinski, traveled from Pittsburgh wearing plastic ponchos. “The music. The bands,” Jacobs said. “In our local town, they have parades, but it’s just fire trucks and dignitaries. This is awesome with the music and the bands.” Rychlinski added, “It makes us so proud to be from America. It’s just beautiful. Look at the men and women that fought for this country. We can’t come out and stand in a little rain?”

Just outside City Hall, 77-year-old Marine veteran Herb Smith was marching in place in rhythm with the Navy band. “Don’t get no better than this,” he said. “Tight. Everything is tight. This is the Navy and Marines. I wouldn’t miss this for nothing in the world.”

The Navy’s inception was met with uncertainty; the Continental Congress hesitated to create a naval force due to costs and lack of experience. John Adams of Massachusetts strongly advocated for it, albeit with doubts. “It is very odd that I, who have never thought much of the old ocean… should be necessitated to make such inquiries,” he wrote.

Celebration activities included maritime processions and the display of naval warships along the Delaware River. Dominic Blair, a young boy from Virginia, attended the parade with his mother. “I like all the cool guns and the flags, and their uniforms are cool,” he said, noting that he dressed up as something similar for Halloween.

The Homecoming 250 festivities will conclude on Wednesday evening with a fireworks display over the Delaware River, wrapping up a weeklong celebration of the Navy’s legacy.