Thousands of Navy and Marine Corps veterans, personnel, and their families are expected to visit Philadelphia from October 9-November 11 for Homecoming 250, a celebration marking the 250th anniversaries of the founding of the Navy and Marine Corps. On October 8, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) hosted a kick-off celebration to welcome those flying through PHL for the Homecoming 250 festivities and to recognize airport employees who served in the military.  

The Navy and Marine Corps were formally established in Philadelphia on October 13, 1775, and November 10, 1775, respectively. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia will pay tribute to the establishment of the military services that have played a vital role in securing and safeguarding American independence over the past 250 years. Homecoming 250 honors the dedication and sacrifices made by those who have served in defense of American freedoms.  

PHL’s celebration included patriotic-themed music and the Brass Animals marching band. Guests received patriotic giveaways, as well as American, Navy, and Marine handheld flags, and Homecoming 250 decorated cupcakes. Guests also had the opportunity to write thank-you notes for veterans and active-duty military members.   

Speakers included PHL CEO Atif Saeed, President and Chair of the Board of Homecoming 250 George S. Leone, the U.S. Navy’s Vice Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command Rear Admiral Kenneth R. Blackmon, and City of Philadelphia Director of Veterans Affairs Gregory Wright, Jr.   

“I am honored to be here today as we kick off our Homecoming 250 celebration and  recognize select airport and Department of Aviation employees who served in the military, along with the thousands of veterans and active-duty personnel who will be coming to town for this special celebration,” said PHL CEO Atif Saeed. “PHL is proud to count among its more than 17,000 employees those who have proudly served in all branches of the U.S. military.”  

Representatives of veterans from stakeholders throughout the airport were recognized during the ceremony including:  

-John R. O’Brien, American Airlines, Marine Corps 

-Jeffrey Adams, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Army   

-Milton Knight, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air Force   

-John Palser, Delta Airlines, Army   

-Lawrence McLendon, Department of Aviation, Army 

-John Wright, Department of Aviation, Army 

-William “Bill” Knight, Elliot Lewis Corporation, Marine Corps   

-Tony Yates, Frontier Airlines, Marine Corps 

-Edwin Ramirez, JetBlue, Army   

-Jeremy Baxter, MarketPlace PHL, Air Force   

-Gregory Wallace, Parkway Airport Services, Army 

-Zoreya Nieves, Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 78, Marine Corps 

-Michelle White, Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 78, Navy 

-Thomas Whalen, Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), Marine Corps  

-James Cassidy, Airport Police, Marine Corps 

-Pablo Seda, Airport Police, Army   

-Gina Thilker, Transdev, Army and Air Force 

Guests looking forward to attending upcoming Homecoming 250 events can visit Homecoming 250.