Vice President JD Vance speaks during the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
General 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 ready for whatever comes next.
"The next fight is coming," he said. "Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win."
The next fight is coming. Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win.
"When it matters most, it’s not technology or equipment that wins the day, but the dependability, decisiveness and character of the Marine or sailor who wields it," Smith said. He ended by thanking families and offering a blessing for their sacrifices.
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Vice President JD Vance raises his fist as helicopters fly over Marines during the Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The vice president mixed solemnity with humor that 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 22% interest used car loan by steering him to Navy Federal Credit Union.
"That gunny’s leadership didn’t just save me money," Vance said. "It taught me that Marines look out for each other."
Vance's remarks included a particular story from boot camp. Recruits queued for Catholic or Protestant church services and Vance, referring to himself in the third person as, "recruit," called himself an atheist.
"Get in the Catholic line," the drill instructor snapped. That punchline, Vance joked, "wouldn’t work in the Biden administration."
Vance also took aim at Democrats in Congress over the government shutdown, promising that the administration would fight to ensure enlisted Marines are paid.
"We will do everything possible to make sure enlisted Marines get paid," he said. "Political battles in Washington should not come at the expense of troops and their families."
Vice President JD Vance speaks with his wife Usha Vance before attending the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday. (Oliver Contreras/AFP via Getty Images)
He tied the 250th anniversary back to the Corps’ beginnings 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 told the audience that every generation of the Corps shares the same common purpose.
"Every single person here bleeds Marine Corps green," Vance said. "It is our common purpose that carries us forward."
Every single person here bleeds Marine Corps green.
Vance reminded East Coast Marines swatting sand fleas at Parris Island that their bond is the same as those climbing the hills of California. He spoke of his pride in wearing the Corps' uniform and closed with words that Marines have heard before but welcomed on their birthday.
"Keep kicking a--. Keep taking names. Semper Fidelis, Marines. Happy 250th birthday. God bless you," he said.
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The ceremony ended with the roar of the crowd as the day carried reminders of sacrifice, grit and unity.
The Department of War, Navy, and Vance's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The Marine Corps offered no further comment to Fox News Digital at this time.
Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/first-fight-marine-vp-jd-vance-marks-corps-250th-hegseth-says-unity-not-diversity-strength