Vice President JD Vance celebrated the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday in Washington, D.C., emphasizing military strength and support for service members during a heartfelt address.
Vice President JD Vance took center stage at the Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday Ball in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, greeting a crowd of Marines in their dress blues with an enthusiastic, “How we doing, Marines?” His warm welcome was met with a resounding cheer from the audience, setting the tone for a night of celebration and reflection.
“It’s so great to be here to celebrate 250 years of the United States Marine Corps,” Vance declared, prompting loud applause from the attendees. His address coincided with the start of Veterans Day weekend, highlighting the White House’s commitment to military strength and service.
As a proud Marine veteran himself, Vance received a standing ovation when he reminded the crowd that he is “the very first vice president of the United States to have been a United States Marine.” He shared personal anecdotes from his time in the service, recalling his experience as a 19-year-old recruit on the yellow footprints of Parris Island, South Carolina.
“The Marine Corps has kept me honest,” Vance reflected. “It gave me great training, it gave me a sense of purpose, and it gave me lifelong friends.” He expressed gratitude for the lessons learned during his service, stating, “The Marine Corps has done more for me than I can possibly repay.” He pledged to honor the Marine Corps throughout his tenure as vice president.
In a light-hearted moment, Vance recounted a humorous encounter with a 99-year-old Iwo Jima veteran he had met earlier that evening. The veteran playfully teased him about his beard, leading Vance to quip, “I’m the vice president of the United States, and this guy is busting my b—- for having a beard.” This anecdote resonated with the audience, reinforcing the camaraderie and honesty that defines the Marine Corps.
Throughout his remarks, Vance paid tribute to Marines of all generations, from the youngest lance corporals born in 2006 to the veterans of Iwo Jima. He expressed pride in each Marine, vowing, “We’re going to keep on winning America’s wars for the next 250 years.” His commitment to supporting service members was evident as he promised that America’s leaders would never again send troops into harm’s way without a clear mission and adequate support.
“When we send you off to fight our nation’s battles, we will do it with full confidence,” Vance assured the audience. “We will give you the knowledge and the tools you need to win, and we will make it clear that your job is to kick the enemy’s a– and come home safely.”
Vance also acknowledged the evolving nature of warfare in the age of advanced technology. “Let’s be honest,” he said, “the battlefield has changed in an incredible and profound way… but I happen to believe that the most important war-fighting technology is not artificial intelligence or anything on a computer. The most important war-fighting technology is a well-trained and well-armed United States Marine.”
As the evening drew to a close, the crowd rose for a final toast. Vance took a moment to reflect on the impact the Marine Corps has had on his life. “The Marine Corps has done a lot for me,” he said. “It’s done more for me than I can possibly repay.” Raising his glass, he concluded, “I will fight every single day to make sure that the next 250 years are just as damn proud as the first 250. Happy Birthday, Marines.” The ballroom erupted in thunderous applause, with a sea of raised glasses celebrating the legacy of the Marine Corps.
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