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Vice President J.D. Vance joined Marines and Sailors at Camp Pendleton in California on Saturday to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps, telling the crowd that the Corps remains combat-ready and ready to win.
The anniversary event included an amphibious assault parade at 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 appeared in the waves as Marines took to the beach to open the ceremony. Second Lady Osha Vance accompanied her husband to watch the parade while families shaded their eyes and ospreys chirped overhead.
This year’s ceremony marks a quarter of a millennium since the Continental Congress first authorized marines in 1775.
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Vice President J.D. Vance speaks during the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., on Saturday. (AP Photo/Gregory Paul)
Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, told the crowd that what they saw was the sound and appearance of freedom. He described the Corps as America’s “911 force” and warned that Marines must be prepared for whatever comes next.
“The next battle is coming,” he added. “The Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win.”
The next battle 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 the day, it’s the reliability, decisiveness and character of the Marine or sailor using it,” Smith said. He concluded his speech by thanking the families and offering a blessing for their sacrifices.
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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks during the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, California, on Saturday. (Oliver Contreras/AFP via Getty Images)
Then Secretary of War Pete Hegseth gave one of the most fiery speeches of the day. A Marine Corps veteran, he said the Corps stood strong when others hesitated.
“I’m not supposed to say that, actually no. “But I think you guys might be my favorite,” Hegseth said.
He linked the Corps to the administration’s broader theme of America first, peace through strength, and common sense at every turn. Hegseth reminded the crowd that while 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 is in unity of purpose. It’s in your common mission. It’s in your oath to the Constitution. It’s the bond that turns individuals into single-minded fighting units. You see, you’re separate. You’re not civilians. You’re devil dogs, leathernecks, and US Marines,” the minister said to cheers.
The crowd erupted when Vance took the stage.
“God bless you, Marines,” he began, smiling as he chanted, “Urah!” Repeat again. He quickly reminded them that he was the first Marine to serve as vice president. “From one soldier to another, thank you for your service,” he said.
“I also have to give a special shout out to the amazing show we saw earlier today. It made my heart sing,” Vance said. “As Vice President, it was a testament to core strength and unbeatable power. It reminded me why I am so proud to wear the uniform, to be one of your ranks, and to be the first Vice President to be a United States Marine.”
Vance used his speech to honor heroes, remember the fallen and reflect on his service. Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer who served in Afghanistan, Navy man Charles Crum who helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima, and Navy aviator Elmer Royce Williams who survived the longest air battle in American history.
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Vice President J.D. Vance raises his fist as helicopters fly over Marines during the Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., on Saturday. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The Vice President mixed seriousness with humor that his fellow Marines recognized immediately. He joked about the “E-4 Mafia” and shared a story about a gunnery sergeant who once saved him from signing a used car loan at 22% interest by directing him to the Navy Federal Credit Union.
“Driving this Soldier not only saved me money,” Vance said. “He taught me that Marines take care of each other.”
Vance’s remarks included one particular story from training camp. Recruits lined up for Catholic or Protestant church services, and Vance described himself as an atheist, referring to himself in the third person as “the recruiter.”
“Get into the Catholic line,” the drill coach said. Vance joked that this sentence “would not work in a Biden administration.”
Vance also took aim at Democrats in Congress over the government shutdown, promising that the administration would fight to ensure Marine Corps recruits were paid.
“We will do everything we can to make sure Marine Corps recruits get paid,” he added. He added, “The political battles in Washington should not come at the expense of soldiers and their families.”
Vice President J.D. Vance talks with his wife, Osha Vance, before attending the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday. (Oliver Contreras/AFP via Getty Images)
He linked the 250th anniversary of the Corps’ founding to the Corps’ beginnings at Ton Tavern in Philadelphia in 1775. He named the battles that define naval history: from Belleau Wood and Iwo Jima to the Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Ramadi, Fallujah, Helmand, and told the audience that every generation of the Corps shared the same common goal.
“Everyone here bleeds Marine Corps green,” Vance said. “It is our common goal that drives us forward.”
Everyone here bleeds Marine Corps green.
Vance reminded East Coast Marines squashing sand fleas at Parris Island that their bonds were the same as those of California hillclimbing. He spoke of his pride in wearing the Corps uniform and concluded with words Marines have heard before but welcomed on their birthday.
“Keep kicking, keep taking down names,” he said. “Semper Fidelis, Marine. Happy 250th birthday. God bless you.”
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The ceremony ended with the noise of the crowd, as the day carried reminders of sacrifice, determination and unity.
The Office of the War and Navy Department and Vance did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The Marine Corps did not provide any additional comment to Fox News Digital at this time.