This week, I sit down with someone whose life bridges the courtroom, civic leadership, and a deep-rooted love for country: George Leone, Founder and Board President of Homecoming 250 Navy and Marine Corps—the national celebration honoring the 250th birthdays of the Navy and Marine Corps.
George’s path is one of service in every sense of the word. A Harvard and University of Chicago law graduate, former New Jersey appellate judge, and federal prosecutor, George is now leading one of the most ambitious grassroots efforts of our time: a multi-day, nationwide celebration that brings the Navy and Marine Corps “home” to their birthplace—Philadelphia.
In this episode, we talk about:
How Homecoming 250 began as an idea during COVID and became a national movement
The legacy of military service passed down from George’s WWII veteran father
Why honoring the Navy and Marine Corps together is both historic and deeply symbolic
The ships, concerts, parades, and flyovers that will make October 9–16, 2025 unforgettable
How ordinary citizens and volunteers are making this celebration possible
The behind-the-scenes work of raising funds, building partnerships, and keeping the vision alive
💬 “This isn’t the Navy throwing a party for themselves. It’s the American people throwing a party for them.”
Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, history lover, or simply someone who believes in gratitude and unity, this is a conversation worth hearing.
🗓️ Key Highlights:
Main Celebration: October 9–16, 2025 (Philadelphia)
Navy 250 Gala: October 11 at the National Constitution Center
Marine Corps Birthday Ball: November 10, in the very room where the tradition began in 1925
Public events are FREE—from ship tours and concerts to parades and memorials
🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Substack, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📲 Visit homecoming250.org to learn more, donate, or get gala tickets.
Let this episode remind you: some legacies are built not just on titles held, but on the stories we choose to carry forward—together.
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