On Saturday, Vice President JD Vance addressed Marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton in California during the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, asserting that the Corps is still prepared to engage in combat and secure victory.
The anniversary celebration featured an amphibious assault demonstration at Red Beach, addresses from both military leaders and cabinet members, and a declaration from Vance noting his status as the first Marine to hold the vice presidency.
The ceremony commenced with helicopters flying above and amphibious vehicles moving through the surf, as Marines stormed the beach. Second Lady Usha Vance accompanied her husband to observe the demonstration as families shielded their eyes and Ospreys soared in the sky.
This year’s event commemorated a quarter of a millennium since the Continental Congress initially established the Marine Corps in 1775.
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General Eric Smith, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, told attendees that they were witnessing the sound and vision of freedom. He referred to the Corps as America’s “911 force” and cautioned that Marines must be prepared for any future challenges.
“The upcoming battle is inevitable,” he stated. “Marines will stand ready. Ready to engage. Ready to triumph.”
“In moments of utmost importance, victory hinges not on technology or equipment, but on the reliability, decisiveness, and character of the Marine or sailor utilizing them,” Smith remarked. He concluded by expressing gratitude to families and bestowing a blessing upon their sacrifices.
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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a particularly impassioned speech. As a combat veteran, he assured the Marines that the Corps remained steadfast when others faltered.
“I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but I think you might be my favorite,” Hegseth confessed.
He aligned the Corps with the administration’s overarching theme of prioritizing America, securing peace through strength, and applying common sense consistently. Hegseth emphasized that while the ranks are filled with individuals from diverse backgrounds, the true strength of the Corps lies in its unified mission.
“The reality is, your diversity is not your strength. It never has been. Your strength resides in your shared objective. It’s in your collective mission. It’s in your pledge to the Constitution. It’s the connection that transforms individuals into cohesive fighting units. You see, you are distinct. You’re not civilians. You’re devil dogs, leathernecks, United States Marines,” the Secretary declared, eliciting cheers.
The audience erupted in applause as Vance took the stage.
“God bless you, Marines,” he began, smiling as the crowd responded with chants of “Oorah!” He promptly reiterated his position as the first Marine to hold the office of vice president. “From one Marine to another, I appreciate your service,” he said.
“I must also commend the remarkable display we witnessed earlier. It truly inspired me,” Vance added. “As your vice president, it served as a testament to our fundamental strength and invincible power. It reminded me of the immense pride I feel in having worn the uniform, in being part of your ranks, and in being the first vice president to have served as a United States Marine.”
Vance dedicated his speech to honoring heroes, remembering those who have fallen, and reflecting on his own service. He acknowledged Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer who served in Afghanistan, Navy corpsman Charles Cram who assisted in raising the flag at Iwo Jima, and Navy aviator Elmer Royce Williams who survived the longest aerial dogfight in American history.
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The vice president blended solemnity with humor that resonated with his fellow Marines. He made light of the “E-4 Mafia” and recounted an incident where a gunnery sergeant prevented him from accepting a used car loan with a 22% interest rate by directing him to Navy Federal Credit Union.
“That gunny’s guidance did more than just save me money,” Vance explained. “It taught me that Marines take care of each other.”
Vance shared a specific anecdote from boot camp, where recruits lined up for Catholic or Protestant church services, and Vance, referring to himself in the third person as “recruit,” identified himself as an atheist.
“Get in the Catholic line,” the drill instructor ordered. Vance joked that such a punchline “wouldn’t be acceptable in the Biden administration.”
Vance also criticized Democrats in Congress regarding the government shutdown, assuring that the administration would strive to ensure that enlisted Marines receive their pay.
“We will exert every effort to ensure that enlisted Marines are compensated,” he affirmed. “Political disputes in Washington should not jeopardize our troops and their families.”
He connected the 250th anniversary back to the Corps’ origins at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia in 1775. He named battles that define Marine history, from Belleau Wood and Iwo Jima to the Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Ramadi, Fallujah, and Helmand, and conveyed to the audience that each generation of the Corps shares a common purpose.
“Every individual present here bleeds Marine Corps green,” Vance declared. “It is our shared purpose that propels us forward.”
Vance reminded East Coast Marines battling sand fleas at Parris Island that their connection is the same as those ascending the hills of California. He expressed his pride in wearing the Corps’ uniform and concluded with words familiar to Marines, but warmly received on their anniversary.
“Keep performing exceptionally. Keep succeeding. Semper Fidelis, Marines. Happy 250th birthday. God bless you,” he concluded.
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The ceremony concluded with enthusiastic applause from the crowd as the day served as a reminder of sacrifice, determination, and unity.
The Department of War, Navy, and Vance’s office have yet to respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The Marine Corps has not offered any additional comment to Fox News Digital at this moment.
