A Marine Among Marines: Vice President Vance Celebrates the Corps’ 250th Birthday

In a powerful display of camaraderie and respect, Vice President JD Vance addressed the Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday Ball in Washington, D.C., bringing a unique perspective as the first Marine to ever hold the office of Vice President. The moment he took the stage, Vance’s connection with his fellow Marines was palpable. “How we doing, Marines?” he called out, his question met with resounding cheers from a sea of dress blues. This Veterans Day weekend celebration highlighted not just the Corps’ storied history, but also the current administration’s commitment to military strength and service. For Vance, this wasn’t merely an official appearance – it was a homecoming among brothers and sisters in arms, a chance to honor the institution that, in his words, “has done more for me than I can possibly repay.”

The significance of Vance’s presence wasn’t lost on anyone in attendance. As he proudly noted to a standing ovation, he stands as “the very first vice president of the United States to have been a United States Marine.” This historical milestone seemed to deepen the authenticity of his remarks as he reflected on his own journey that began as a 19-year-old recruit standing on the yellow footprints of Parris Island, South Carolina. Vance spoke with genuine gratitude about how the Marine Corps had shaped his life trajectory, providing him with “great training,” “a sense of purpose,” and “lifelong friends.” These weren’t just talking points; they were personal truths from someone who had lived the Marine experience. His promise to continue honoring the Corps “so long as I have the honor of being your vice president” resonated deeply with the audience, creating a moment of mutual respect between a leader and the institution that helped forge his character.

In a lighthearted moment that perfectly captured the enduring spirit of the Marine Corps, Vance shared an encounter he’d had earlier that evening with a 99-year-old Iwo Jima veteran. Despite Vance’s current position as the second-highest official in the United States government, the elder Marine had no qualms about “busting my b–ls for having a beard.” The crowd erupted in laughter as Vance observed, “That, my friends, is what the Marine Corps does — it keeps us honest.” This anecdote illustrated the Corps’ unique culture where respect is earned rather than conferred by rank or title, and where even the Vice President remains accountable to the standards and traditions of the institution. It demonstrated the humility that remains central to Marine Corps values, regardless of how high one might rise after service.

Throughout his address, Vance celebrated the intergenerational nature of the Marine Corps, honoring Marines “from the young to the old, from the lance corporals born in 2006 to the veterans of Iwo Jima.” This recognition of the continuum of service – spanning from teenagers who’ve just earned the title to nonagenarians who stormed beaches under fire – underscored the living history present in the room. But Vance’s remarks weren’t solely focused on nostalgic reflection; they also contained a forward-looking vision and a promise about America’s future military engagements. In a moment of resolve that drew particular attention, he pledged that America’s leaders would never again send troops into harm’s way without clarity of mission and full support, stating firmly: “When we send you off to fight our nation’s battles, we will do it with full confidence. 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.” This commitment to responsible deployment of military forces struck a chord with many in attendance.

In an era increasingly dominated by technological advancement, Vance took a moment to reaffirm the enduring value of the individual Marine. “Let’s be honest,” he acknowledged, “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.” This statement, emphasizing the human element in warfare even as technology transforms the battlefield, earned enthusiastic agreement from the crowd. It reflected a philosophy that while weapons and systems may evolve, the core of military effectiveness remains the trained warrior. As the evening concluded with a toast, Vance offered a final reflection on personal gratitude and national commitment: “The Marine Corps has done a lot for me. It’s done more for me than I can possibly repay… 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 responded with thunderous applause and raised glasses, marking not just the celebration of the Corps’ past but also a collective commitment to its future.

The Marine Corps Birthday Ball with Vice President Vance at the podium represented more than a ceremonial tradition; it embodied the continuing relevance of military service in American life and leadership. As both a Marine and the Vice President, Vance personifies a bridge between civilian governance and military service – a reminder that those who lead and those who serve can be one and the same. His presence and words affirmed that even at the highest levels of government, the lessons learned in uniform remain vital: discipline, purpose, and above all, the understanding that no individual, regardless of rank or station, stands above the principles and traditions that have sustained America’s oldest military branch for two and a half centuries. As the celebrations of Veterans Day weekend continued across the nation, this moment between a Marine Vice President and his fellow Marines offered a powerful symbol of continuity, commitment, and shared purpose in service to the nation.