In an epic series of remarks on the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary at Camp Pendleton, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth went nuclear in a terrific and inspiring attack on DEI, warning the assembled Marines that “your diversity is not your strength.”
The speaking lineup featured a great collection of Trump Administration officials who did a fantastic job describing the importance and incredible history of the Marines. For example, Vice President JD Vance, the first Marine VP, praised the servicemen’s readiness amid an amphibious demo. Likewise, Commandant Gen. Eric Smith called Marines America’s “911 force,” and invited the crowd to be “Ready to fight. Ready to win.”
It was General Eric Smith who began the speaking even with a stern and important warning against an over-reliance on tech and praised the fighting spirit of the USMC. “The next fight is coming. Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win,” Smith declared.
Building on this point, the general went on to stress the importance of personal character amongst the fighting force, saying, “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.”
But it was the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, who instantly won over the crowd with his trademark wit, using an entertaining joke to get on the good side of the Marines. “I’m not supposed to say this, really not. But I think you guys might be my favorite,” Hegseth announced.
Doubling down on his praise, the Secretary of War demolished DEI in some red meat for his MAGA audience and a major signifier of change in the Department of War’s focus, saying, “The truth is, your diversity is not your strength. Never has been. Your strength is in your unity of purpose. It’s in your shared mission. It’s in your oath to the Constitution. It’s the bond that turns individuals into single-minded fighting units. You see, you are set apart. You’re not civilians. You’re devil dogs, leathernecks, United States Marines.”
Next in in the lineup was Vice President JD Vance, who himself served in the Marines. He said, “God bless you, Marines.” He then added, “From one Marine to another, thank you for your service. I’ve also got to give a special shout out to the incredible display that we saw earlier today. It made my heart sing. As your vice president, and it was a testament to the core strength and unbeatable power. It reminded me why I am so proud to have worn the uniform, to be one among your ranks, and to be the very first vice president to have been a United States Marine.”
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Pulling from his personal experience, Vance immediately bonded with our soldiers. “That gunny’s leadership didn’t just save me money. It taught me that Marines look out for each other,” he said, referencing an episode in his own military career.
Building on this point, he vowed to improve pay for the Marines, another line likely to endear him to them. VP Vance declared, “We will do everything possible to make sure enlisted Marines get paid. Political battles in Washington should not come at the expense of troops and their families.”
Watch the clip here:
Concluding his address, JD Vance reestablished his deep connection to the USMC, wholeheartedly echoing his earlier comments. “Every single person here bleeds Marine Corps green. It is our common purpose that carries us forward. Keep kicking a–. Keep taking names. Semper Fidelis, Marines. Happy 250th birthday. God bless you,” Vance said.
Featured image from embedded video