in those critical battles our nation has ever faced, it is often Marines, forged by unique traditions and tough as nails training, who land first and they volunteer to put themselves in harm's way thanks to the blood and sweat of men who came before you. Every American knows the truth of the phrase. It's not just a phrase. It's a way of life for all of you, Semper Fidelis, always faithful. You see, because I look out at this crowd, I see a lot of different types of faces. 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, leather necks, United States, Mario, you are set apart for a distinct purpose. You kill bad guys and break things for a living. You close with and destroy the enemy for a living. And as we mark the 250th birthday, the Marine Corps, take a moment and remember where you are in the great American story. Everybody likes to talk about 1776 and that was a pretty important date. But we're not here without 1775 when Americans were willing to stand up and pick up a rifle and say, We will live free, that Spirit lives in all of you. That story includes heroes like Chesty Puller Daniel daily and our own great Vice President and Mario. Queen JD Vance, take pride in that story and continue making yourselves worthy of that legacy. As the commandant said so beautifully, standards, discipline, accountability, war, fighting, lethality. They live in the Marine Corps. We get a chance to see our Commander in Chief fight for all of you every single day. I know because I see it, President Trump appreciates your dedication, your valor, your tenacity, the sacrifices you make and the sacrifices that all of your families make. We know no marine serves alone. They serve alongside a family, someone else who understands that is Vice President Vance, who is right there alongside President Trump, who he himself has made the same types of sacrifices that you have your vice president enlisted after high school in the Marine Corps and served in Iraq, your vice president knows and shares the dedication of this force, and he represents you always in Washington, I have an honor. I have the honor of getting a chance to watch vice president Vance, day in and day out, live the values of the Marine Corps. Speak up and tell the truth. Have courage. Stand alongside President Trump. It's an incredible thing to watch, and as I tell every warrior I meet our president and vice president, they have your back, and I promise you so do I support from the top is all I ever wanted when I was a young infantry lieutenant in Iraq or in Afghanistan, where my boss actually happened to be Marine. He was tough, he was brave and a little bit crazy, but I loved him for it, and I knew he would do anything for me. So on behalf of the Department of War, thank you. Congratulations on 250 years of success. Here's the 250 more I can say to you, we've got seven little kids in our stead. Not so little anymore, a couple teenagers. Man, I would be proud as a dad if I ever saw one of them put on the uniform of a United States Marine. You serve your country. You make us proud. We have your back. God bless you. God bless our Marines, and may God bless our great Republic, Godspeed. Thank you.