CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Thousands of Marines gathered at Camp Pendleton on Saturday to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps with a spectacular show of strength and pride — joined by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The celebration featured live demonstrations of military power, including amphibious landings and helicopter assaults, honoring more than two centuries of Marine Corps history and service.
“It’s a tremendous ‘thank you for your service’ as the Marine Corps recognizes 250 years of fighting for our freedom,” said former Marine Jasmine Laburn, who served six years at Camp Pendleton. “The camaraderie — I still feel it, even though it’s been so many years.”
Marine veteran Ron Cabrera said the milestone reflects the lifelong bond among Marines. “There is no such thing as a former Marine,” he said. “You’re once and always a Marine. Earning that title at 18 was phenomenal.”
Lieutenant Kagan Dunlap said the event was about honoring that shared legacy. “They deserve to be known for the hard work that they put in and the history they carry,” he said. “We want to celebrate the 250th of the Marine Corps together.”
Vance, a Marine veteran himself, praised the Corps’ role in shaping his life and leadership. “I would not be the Vice President of the United States of America — I would not be the man I am today — were it not for those four years I served in the Marine Corps,” he said.
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance, second right in front, second lady Usha Vance, left, and their three children are greeted upon arrival at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) -
U.S. Vice President JD Vance carries his daughter as he and his son Ewan step off of Air Force Two upon arrival at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) -
Vice President JD Vance, second left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) -
Vice President JD Vance, standing second left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) -
Vice President JD Vance, second left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) -
Vice President JD Vance, center right, greets Marines during a demonstration to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Vice President JD Vance, from right, and second lady Usha Vance greet Marines during a demonstration to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Vice President JD Vance, left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) -
Vice President JD Vance, from right, and second lady Usha Vance participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) -
Vice President JD Vance, second left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) -
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Marines perform a demonstration as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Vice President JD Vance, right, and second lady Usha Vance, second left, watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Marines perform a demonstration as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Marines perform a demonstration as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Marines perform in a demonstration with hovercraft and the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Vice President JD Vance, from top right, and second lady Usha Vance watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Vice President JD Vance, from third left, and second lady Usha Vance watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Vice President JD Vance, center left, and second lady Usha Vance, center right, watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) -
Marines perform a demonstration as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches to mark the upcoming Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Hegseth also commended the Marines for their commitment and courage. “United States Marines, hoorah,” he said. “You are set apart for a distinct purpose. You destroy the enemy for a living.”
As the celebration concluded, Dunlap reflected on what unites Marines past and present. “No matter what job you’ve got, where you’re from, or what you look like, you can be proud that you were willing to sacrifice part of your life to serve the United States in the Marine Corps.”
The Corps, founded in 1775, continues to symbolize strength, discipline and devotion — qualities on full display at Camp Pendleton’s 250th anniversary celebration.
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