First Marine VP JD Vance honors Corps at 250th birthday event celebration

vice president JD Vance joined Marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton in California on Saturday to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, telling the crowd that the Corps remains ready to fight and ready to win.

The anniversary event included a Red Beach amphibious display, speeches from military leaders and Cabinet members, and a reminder from Vance that he was the first Marine to serve as vice president.

Helicopters roared overhead and amphibious vehicles zipped through the surf as Marines walked onto the beach to open the ceremony. Second Lady Usha Vance accompanied her husband to watch the performance while families turned a blind eye and ospreys flashed overhead.

This year's ceremony marked a quarter of a millennium since the Continental Congress first authorized the creation of the Marine Corps in 1775.

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General Eric Smith, Commandant Marine Corpstold the crowd they were seeing the sound and sight of freedom. He called the Corps America's “911 force” and warned that Marines must be prepared for whatever comes next.

“The next fight is coming,” he said. “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.

— General Eric Smith, Commander of the United States Marine Corps.

“When it matters most, it is not the technology or equipment that wins, but the reliability, determination and character of the Marine or Sailor who wields it,” Smith said. He concluded by thanking the families and offering a blessing for their sacrifices.

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military secretary Pete Hegseth then gave one of the most fiery speeches of the day. A combat veteran himself, he told the Marines that the Corps stood firm when others faltered.

“I shouldn’t have said that, really, no. But I think you guys might be my favorites,” Hegseth said.

He connected 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 individuals fill the ranks, unity of mission is the true strength of the Corps.

This is your overall mission. This is your oath to the Constitution. It is the bond that turns people into dedicated fighting units. You see, you are separated from each other. You are not civilians. You are devil dogs, leathernecks, United States Marines,” the minister said, drawing applause.

The crowd erupted as Vance took the stage.

“God bless you Marines,” he began, smiling and chanting “Hurray!” – repeated in response. He quickly reminded them that he was the first Marine to serve as vice president. “From one Marine to another, thank you for your service,” he said.

“I must also highlight the incredible sight we saw this morning. It made my heart sing,” Vance said. “As your vice president, and this was a testament to core strength and invincible power. It reminded me why I am so proud to wear this uniform, to be one of your ranks, and to be the very first Vice President to be a United States Marine.”

Vance used his speech to honor heroes, remember the fallen and reflect on his service. He mentioned Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer, who served in Afghanistan, Navy corpsman Charles Crum, who helped raise the flag on Iwo Jima, and Navy pilot Elmer Royce Williams, who survived the longest air battle in American history.

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The vice president mixed solemnity with humor, which fellow Marines immediately recognized. He joked about the “E-4 mafia” and shared a story about a gunnery sergeant who once saved him from signing on a 22% 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 take care of each other.”

Vance's speeches included a specific story from boot camp. Recruits stood in line for services at either a Catholic or Protestant church, and Vance, referring to himself in the third person as a “recruit,” called himself an atheist.

“Stand in the Catholic line,” the drill instructor barked. That punchline, Vance joked, “won’t fly in the Biden administration.”

Vance also criticized congressional Democrats over the government shutdown, vowing the administration would fight to ensure rank-and-file Marines are paid.

“We will do everything we can to make sure Marines get paid,” he said. “Political battles in Washington should not come at the expense of soldiers and their families.”

He tied the 250th anniversary to the beginning of the Corps at Toone's Tavern in Philadelphia in 1775. He named the battles that defined Marine Corps history, from Belleau Wood and Iwo Jima to Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Ramadi, Fallujah and Helmand, and told the audience that every generation of the Corps has the same common goal.

“Every single person here is a Green Marine,” Vance said. “Our common purpose drives us forward.”

Every person here has Marine green.

— Vice President J.D. Vance

Vance reminded East Coast Marines fighting off sand fleas on Parris Island that their bond is the same as those who climb the California hills. He spoke of his pride in wearing the Corps uniform and ended with words that Marines had heard before but welcomed on their birthday.

“Keep kicking… Keep calling names. Semper Fidelis, Marine Corps. Happy 250th anniversary. God bless you,” he said.

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The ceremony ended with a roar from the crowd as the day served as a reminder of sacrifice, resilience and unity.

The Departments of War, Navy and Vance's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The Marine Corps has not provided Fox News Digital with any additional comment at this time.