A Night to Remember

Vice President JD Vance took center stage at the Marine Corps’s 250th Birthday Ball held in Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening. With an enthusiastic greeting of “How we doing, Marines?” he set off an explosion of cheers from the crowd assembled in dress blues.

“It’s so great to be here to celebrate 250 years of the United States Marine Corps,” Vance proclaimed, prompting a loud round of applause as he emphasized the unique bond and camaraderie shared among Marines.

The Significance of the Occasion

The address by Vice President Vance not only coincided with the start of Veterans Day weekend but also highlighted the White House’s continued emphasis on military strength and service in today’s world.

As the “very first vice president of the United States to have been a United States Marine,” Vance’s words resonated deeply with the audience, earning him a standing ovation.

Reflections on Service

Reflecting on his own journey, Vance recounted the day he stepped onto the yellow footprints of Parris Island as a 19-year-old recruit. “The Marine Corps has kept me honest,” he remarked. “It gave me great training, a sense of purpose, and 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. But I promise that as your vice president, I will continue to honor the United States Marine Corps.”

A Moment of Humor

In a lighter moment during his speech, Vance shared an encounter with a 99-year-old Iwo Jima veteran. “I’m the Vice President of the United States, and this guy is busting my b–ls for having a beard,” he said, eliciting laughter from the audience. “That, my friends, is what the Marine Corps does — it keeps us honest.”

His ability to connect with the crowd showcased the deep-rooted bonds formed within the Marine Corps across generations, from the newest recruits to the venerable heroes of past conflicts.

Commitment to the Future

Vance paid tribute to Marines of all ages, stating that he was “proud” of every individual who wears the uniform, vowing, “We’re going to keep on winning America’s wars for the next 250 years.”

With a firm resolve, he pledged that America’s leaders would never again commit troops to battle without clear missions and unwavering support. “When we send you off to fight our nation’s battles, we will do it with full confidence,” he affirmed.

Embracing Technological Advances

Amid evolving military technologies, Vance highlighted the enduring importance of the individual Marine. “Let’s be honest,” he said, “the battlefield has changed in an incredible and profound way, but the most important war-fighting technology is a well-trained and well-armed United States Marine.”

A Toast to the Marines

As the audience prepared for a final toast, Vance momentarily reflected on the Marine Corps’ impact on his life. “The Marine Corps has done a lot for me,” he shared. “It’s done more for me than I can possibly repay.”

Raising his glass, he concluded with a heartfelt statement: “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 in celebration of the Corps’ historic milestone.