Veterans welcomed at Philadelphia International Airport ahead of Homecoming 250 Celebration

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- America's big 250th birthday celebration is happening in Philadelphia next year, but a celebration for two of our service branches starts right now.

A week of festivities in honor of the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps kicked off Wednesday morning.

The celebration started at Philadelphia International Airport, where a brass band marched through the terminal playing patriotic songs.

It was a fitting way to welcome passengers flying into Philadelphia throughout the week. Thousands of veterans and military personnel are expected to arrive in the coming days to celebrate the Navy and the Marines.

"We're proud to be able to come back to our birthplace. 250 years ago, the Navy was born right here in Philadelphia, as well as the Marine Corps," said Navy Rear Admiral Kenneth Blackmon.

It makes Philadelphia International Airport a fitting place to start the patriotic party, especially since a number of veterans work at the airport.

"Working in the city and living in this city and continuing to be of service, it just speaks volumes," said the City of Philadelphia's Director of Veterans Affairs, Gregory Wright Jr.

Homecoming 250 is the organization hosting the week of festivities, which celebrates both the Navy and Marine Corps. The celebration includes a parade of Navy ships on Thursday down the Delaware River.

On Sunday, a free veterans picnic and Victory at Sea concert will be held at Independence Mall. The concert features performances by Patti LaBelle, Justin Guarini and more.

And on Monday, October 13, a parade celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the Navy and Marine Corps will feature marching bands, military vehicles, floats and balloons.

You can watch that live on 6abc beginning at 11:30 a.m.

'(It's) a huge parade with over 7,000 participants," said George Leone, Homecoming 250 President.

Organizers are making it happen, even through a government shutdown. There have been some minor changes, but the main events are all going forward.

"The celebration makes local veterans feel appreciated for their service," said Leone.

"It's a proud moment for me to be part of this as well," said airport employee and Air Force veteran Jeremy Baxter.

"It's a beautiful thing just to be recognized for your service," said Air Force veteran and airport employee Milton Knight.

"I think that's a great thing to celebrate," said airport employee and Navy veteran Michele White.

For more information, visit Homecoming250.org.