Monday, November 10, 2025

Ceremony at the Resting Place of the First Commandant of the Marine Corps, Samuel Nicholas
Arch St. Meeting House Burial Ground, 320 Arch St. 

9:00 a.m.
Free 

The Corporal Brandon Hardy Chester County Detachment #286 of the Marine Corps League will mark the 250^th milestone with a ceremony at the resting place of Samuel Nicholas (1744-1790), first commandant of the Marine Corps.

Marine Corps 250^th Commemoration at Independence Hall
520 Chestnut Street 

10:30 a.m.
Free 

Presented by Homecoming 250®, a special commemoration honoring the 250^th birthday of the Marine Corps’ founding will feature remarks by military and public officials and the reading of the Resolution Establishing the Marines.

Credit: Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Marine Corps Birthday at the Future Site of The Tun®
Second St. between Market St. and Chestnut St. 

11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free 

Hosted by The Tun Legacy Foundation at the future site of the rebuilt Tun, the 250^th birthday block party will feature performances by US Navy/Marine Corps Veteran Dave Bray USA, Marine and comedian Bryson Banks, and the American Bombshells.

Photo Opportunities
Historical marker: Front St. and Sansom St.
The Tun® Future Site: Second  St. between Market St. and Chestnut St.

11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Free 

Official photographers will be stationed at the Tun Historical Marker and at The Tun® site to take your photos. Meet historical reenactors. Try on a Continental Marine uniform. Sign the map showing your home state. Leave messages for other Marines. Share on social with #TheTunLegacy and #TheTunLegacyTour.

100^th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Bellevue Hotel
200 S. Broad St. 

6:00 p.m. – midnight
$500

Medal of Honor Recipients Major General James E. Livingston, USMC (Ret.) and Colonel Harvey Curtiss “Barney” Barnum, Jr. will be the special guests at the 100^th Marine Corps Birthday Ball  at the Bellevue, the site of the first Marine Corps Ball in 1925. The black-tie gala, presented by Homecoming 250®, will feature a video message from General Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. Ceremonial protocol will include the Posting of the Colors by a USMC Color Guard, the reading of General John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message, and the birthday cake ceremony with the first piece of cake presented to the oldest and youngest Marines in attendance.

Military: Evening Dress “B” or equivalent
Civilians: Black Tie

250 Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Museum of the American Revolution
101 S. Third St. 

6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
$250 

Presented by The Tun Legacy Foundation at a museum that is just steps from the future site of The Tun®, the 250 Marine Corps Birthday Ball will honor the founding of the Continental Marines in 1775, and toast efforts to rebuild the historic tavern where the Corps was born. Guests will enjoy a one-hour reception, followed by a three-course seated dinner and dancing. A live-stream will connect attendees with the 100^th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Bellevue for the official ceremony and cake-cutting. The Museum of the American Revolution exhibit halls and theater experiences will be available to explore throughout the evening.  You will have the opportunity to see General George Washington’s headquarters tent from the Revolutionary War, and view a remarkable collection of objects from the period of the American Revolution, including works of art, manuscripts, and the first newspaper printing of the Declaration of Independence.

Military: Service Dress
Civilians: Cocktail attire

Photos courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution

Navigate the 250th USMC Birthday Events:
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»  Friday November 7th
»  Saturday November 8th
»  Sunday November 9th
»  Monday November 10th
»  Tuesday November 11th