JD Vance celebrates Marine Corps 250th birthday as first vice president Marine
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Vice President J.D. Vance took the stage at the Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Ball in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, greeting a crowd of blue-clad Marines with a resounding, “How’s it going, Marines?”
He smiled as the ballroom erupted in cheers. “It’s really great to be here celebrating 250 years of the United States Marine Corps,” he said, to loud applause.
“That, my friends, is what the Marine Corps does: It keeps us honest.”
The speech marked the start of Veterans Day weekend and highlighted the White House’s emphasis on military strength and service.
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Vice President JD Vance arrives to speak at the Marine Ball at the Washington Hilton, Saturday, in Washington, DC (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
The vice president – himself a proud Marine veteran – received a standing ovation when he reminded the crowd that he was “the first ever vice president of the United States who was a United States Marine.”
Vance reflected on his arrival in the Marines as a 19-year-old recruit on the yellow footprints of Parris Island, South Carolina.
“The Marine Corps kept me honest,” he said. “It gave me a great education, it gave me a purpose and it gave me friends for life.”
He credits these lessons with shaping his life long after his service. “The Marine Corps has done more for me than I can repay,” he said. “But what I promise, as long as I have the honor of being your vice president, is that I will continue to honor the United States Marine Corps.”
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Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebration Oct. 18 at Camp Pendleton, California. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
In a moment that drew many laughs, Vance told the story of meeting a 99-year-old Iwo Jima veteran earlier in the evening. The Marine had teased him about his beard, and Vance had said, “I’m the vice president of the United States, and this guy is kicking my ass because he has a beard.”
He laughed and added, “That, my friends, is what the Marine Corps does: It keeps us honest.”
Throughout his speech, Vance paid tribute to Marines of all generations, “from young to old, from lance corporals born in 2006 to Iwo Jima veterans.”
He told the audience he was “proud” of every Marine and vowed, “We will continue to win America’s wars for the next 250 years.” »
Vance also pledged, in a moment of determination, that U.S. leaders would never again send troops into harm’s way without a clear mission and the support of those on the ground.
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Vice President JD Vance gestures as helicopters fly overhead during a 250th anniversary celebration Oct. 18 at Camp Pendleton, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
“When we send you to fight in our country’s battles, we will do so with complete confidence,” he said. “We’ll give you the knowledge and tools you need to win, and we’ll make it clear that your job is to kick the enemy and get home safe and sound.”
Vance celebrated the Corps’ relevance in the age of advanced technology. “Let’s be honest,” he said, “the battlefield has changed in incredible and profound ways…but I believe the most important technology of war is not artificial intelligence or anything on a computer. The most important technology of war is a well-trained and well-armed United States Marine.”
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As the crowd rose to make a final toast, Vance took a moment to reflect. “The Marine Corps has done a lot for me,” he said. “It’s done me more than I can repay.”
Then, raising his glass, he concluded: “I will fight every day to ensure that the next 250 years are as proud as the first 250. Happy birthday, Marines.”
The ballroom responded with thunderous applause and a sea of raised glasses.
