First Marine VP JD Vance honors Corps at 250th birthday event celebration
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Vice President JD Vance joined Marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton in California on Saturday for the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, telling the crowd that the Corps remains ready to fight and ready to win.
The anniversary event included an amphibious assault demonstration on Red Beach, speeches from military leaders and cabinet officials, and a reminder from Vance that he is the first Marine to serve as vice president.
Helicopters flew overhead and amphibious vehicles surged through the waves as Marines charged the beach to open the ceremony. Second lady Usha Vance accompanied her husband to watch the spectacle while families shielded their eyes and ospreys thundered overhead.
This year’s ceremony marked the quarter-millennium since the Continental Congress first authorized the Marine Corps in 1775.
NEWSOM Clashes WITH WHITE HOUSE OVER HIGHWAY CLOSURE FOR MARINE CORPS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Vice President JD Vance speaks Saturday at the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, California. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, told the crowd that what they were seeing was the sound and look of freedom. He described the Corps as America’s “911 force” and warned that Marines must be prepared for any eventuality.
“The next fight is coming,” he said. “The Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win.”
The next fight is coming. The Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win.
“When it matters most, it’s not the technology or equipment that wins, but the reliability, decisiveness and character of the Marine or sailor who uses them,” Smith said. He ended by thanking the families and offering a blessing for their sacrifices.
VP VANCE’S CAMP ACCUSES CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT. GAVIN NEWSOM TO BROADCAST “FAKE NEWS” BEFORE MARINES CELEBRATION
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers remarks at the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday. (Olivier Contreras/AFP via Getty Images)
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth then delivered one of the most fiery speeches of the day. A combat veteran himself, he told Marines that the Corps stood strong when others faltered.
“I’m not supposed to say that, I really don’t. But I think you might be my favorite,” Hegseth said.
He linked the Corps to the administration’s broader theme: America first, peace through strength, and common sense at every turn. Hegseth reminded the crowd that although many different faces fill the ranks, unity of mission is the true strength of the Corps.
“The truth is, your diversity is not your strength. It never has been. Your strength lies in your unity of purpose. It lies in your common mission. It is in your oath to the Constitution. It is the bond that turns individuals into purposeful fighting units. You see, you are set apart. You are not civilians. You are evil dogs, fools, United States Marines,” the Secretary of State said, drawing cheers.
The crowd erupted when Vance took the stage.
“God bless you, Marines,” he began, smiling as chants of “Oorah!” » echoed. He quickly reminds them that he is the first Marine to serve as vice president. “From one Marine to another, thank you for your service,” he said.
“I also have to give a special shout out to the incredible spectacle we saw earlier today. It made my heart sing,” Vance said. “As Vice President, it was a testament to our core strength and unbeatable power. It reminded me why I am so proud to have worn the uniform, to be one of your ranks, and to be the first-ever Vice President to have been a United States Marine.”
Vance used his speech to honor heroes, remember the fallen and reflect on his own service. He mentioned Sgt. Dakota Meyer who served in Afghanistan, Marine Charles Cram who helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima, and Marine aviator Elmer Royce Williams who survived the longest dogfight in American history.
TRUMP DECLARES “AWAKENING” OF “WARRIOR SPIRIT,” UNFAIR SUPPORT FOR MILITARY: “I HAVE YOUR BACK”
Vice President JD Vance raises his fist as helicopters fly overhead during the Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., on Saturday. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The vice president mixed solemnity with humor that his fellow Marines immediately recognized. He joked about the “E-4 mafia” and told the story of a gunnery sergeant who once stopped him from signing a used car loan at 22 percent interest by directing him to Navy Federal Credit Union.
“This guy’s leadership not only saved me money,” Vance said. “It taught me that Marines look out for each other.”
Vance’s remarks included a particular story from training camp. Recruits lined up for Catholic or Protestant religious services, and Vance, referring to himself in the third person as “recruit,” called himself an atheist.
“Get in the Catholic line,” the drill instructor called out. That punchline, Vance joked, “wouldn’t work in the Biden administration.”
Vance also took aim at Democrats in Congress over the government shutdown, promising the administration would fight to ensure enlisted Marines are paid.
“We will do everything we can to ensure that enlisted Marines are paid,” he said. “Political battles in Washington should not come at the expense of troops and their families.”
Vice President JD Vance talks with his wife Usha Vance before attending the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., on Saturday. (Olivier Contreras/AFP via Getty Images)
He tied the 250th anniversary to the Corps’ beginnings at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia in 1775. He named the battles that define Marine history: from Belleau Wood and Iwo Jima to Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Ramadi, Fallujah and Helmand, and told the audience that every generation of the Corps shares the same common goal.
“Every person here bleeds Marine Corps green,” Vance said. “It’s our common goal that keeps us moving forward.”
Every person here bleeds Marine Corps green.
Vance reminded the East Coast Marines who were eliminating sand fleas at Parris Island that their bond was the same as those who climb the hills of California. He spoke of his pride in wearing the Corps uniform and ended with words that Marines have heard before but welcomed on their birthday.
“Keep kicking….Keep taking names. Semper Fidelis, Marines. Happy 250th birthday. God bless,” he said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The ceremony ended with a roar from the crowd as the day was marked by reminders of sacrifice, courage and unity.
The War Department, the Navy and Vance’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The Marine Corps has made no further comment to Fox News Digital at this time.
