Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
A ship parade floated up and down the Delaware River alongside philadelphia Thursday to kick off the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday celebration. Marine Corps,
Participating ships included USS Lassen, USS Billings, and USS Cooperstown. The flotilla was also accompanied by a military flyover.
Thousands of people were expected to attend boat parades and other anniversary-related events over the next few days, including a reunion of veterans, a street parade through the city and a concert featuring a singer. Patti LaBelleThe Navy Band and the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps.
Organizers said other ceremonies are expected to take place at military bases around the world.
The events marking the creation of the Navy and Marine Corps in 1775 continued despite the government shutdown, which has closed many federal agencies and offices. The Navy press office did not immediately respond to an email Thursday asking if any celebrations were cut short because of the shutdown.
Vice Admiral John Gumbleton speaking on the Delaware River waterfront with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and governors pennsylvania And new JerseyAnd others said the celebration also marks the beginning of the country’s sesquicentennial next year.
He encouraged citizens to connect with active and retired military personnel visiting Philadelphia and ask about their service.
“For every missile that destroys a threat, for every jet aircraft launched, for every engine making steam, none of it happens without a sailor behind it,” Gumbleton said.
“The ships are nice, the jets are nice, everything looks nice, but it’s the people – it’s the sailors, it’s the Marines, that make it happen,” he said.