Vance addressed the delay head-on during his remarks, joking with the crowd and recalling lessons from his time in the Corps.
“That is not Marine Corps time, my friends,” he said. “I remember Gunny Arledge always told me, if you’re five minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late… What does it mean when the Vice President is two hours late? I guess I’m on time, because who the hell is going to get me in trouble, right?”
He explained that his meeting with the President of the United States ran long, but he prioritized the visit to Quantico.
“I stood up and said, ‘Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting on me.’ And he said, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize that. You’ve got to get out there,’” Vance told the crowd.
The Vice President brought with him a message from the Commander-in-Chief.
“He wanted me to tell you two things,” Vance said. “First of all, that he loves you. And second of all, that he’s proud of you.”
Vance, a former Marine, also shared how his service shaped his life and thanked those stationed at Quantico for their dedication and professionalism.
Quantico Town Mayor Kevin Brown attended the event and was impressed by the Vice President’s words and presence.
“Personally, as I see Vice President Vance at events across the country and abroad, you can definitely recognize the Marine in him,” said Brown. “It’s encouraging to know we have someone in the White House with that pedigree, advising the President.”
Following his remarks, Vance was expected to tour other base parts. Marines in attendance appeared pleased and honored by the Vice President’s visit, said Brown.
From the White House:
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Quantico, Virginia
March 26, 2025
1:34 P.M. EDTTHE VICE PRESIDENT: How we doing? (Applause.)
Oorah, Marines! How we doing?AUDIENCE: Oorah!
THE VICE PRESIDENT: It’s great to be here. It’s great to be in Quantico. You know, as a proud member of the E-4 Mafia, I had never made it to Quantico myself. But it’s one of the reasons why I wanted to run for vice president—I thought maybe it was time for the colonels and generals to listen to the corporals for a change. How’s that sound? (Applause.)
You all know how big of a part the Marine Corps was in my life and how important it was for me. From one Marine to another: Thank you for your service. We’re proud of you, and I’m proud to be here with my fellow Marines. God bless you guys.
Now, some of you may know the Marine Corps did a lot of good things for me. When I joined in 2003, I was a directionless kid. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. And as you all know, the Marine Corps is good at giving direction to 18-year-old kids.
It also saved me from making one of the worst financial decisions I ever almost made. You know those used car dealerships outside of Marine Corps bases? I was about to buy a used Honda Civic with a 21% interest rate, until Gunny Arledge said, “Stop being an idiot. Go to Navy Federal Credit Union and get a better deal.” That’s what the Marine Corps does—it helps you make better decisions.
From the NCOs to the officers here, you all help form our young people into United States Marines. That is one of the best things the Marine Corps does for our country.
As General Chuck Krulak said, the Marine Corps does two things: it wins battles, and it makes Marines. That’s a damn good thing to do for the United States of America.
I’m proud of you, I’m proud to be here, and I’m proud of what you do. Most of all, I’m proud that under new leadership, the Marine Corps—and the entire U.S. military—is headed in the right direction. That’s why I’m here today: to talk a little bit about what we’re going to do, talk about President Trump’s vision for the military, and—after I serve some chow at the chow hall—I’m going to go shoot some guns.
AUDIENCE: Oorah!
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Under President Trump’s leadership, we believe in a simple principle: we care about excellence and patriotism, not skin color or background. If you’re a patriotic young Marine, we’re going to do everything we can to make you the most lethal fighting force the world has ever seen.
No more quotas. No more mumbo jumbo. No more diversity trainings. The real strength and diversity in the Marine Corps is that you all come from every walk of life, from every corner of America, with the strength and purpose to win our nation’s wars.
Now, I know I’m 40 now, which makes me an old-ass man compared to most of you. But the best friends I’ve ever made, I met in the Marine Corps—people who were there for my family and me through everything. The people standing to your left and right—they’ll be in your life forever.
This November, our great Corps will celebrate 250 proud years. I’ve been to a few birthday balls myself, and I’m sure this one will be a totally sober, no-alcohol celebration—right? (Laughter.)
But seriously: 250 years of winning wars, kicking ass, and taking names.
So here’s the plan. We’re going to invest over a trillion dollars to build up the U.S. manufacturing base so that when we send you to war, you’ll have the best weapons and equipment anywhere in the world.
While the leading edge of American power is you all, it matters what you have in your hands and on your backs. President Trump and I promise that if we have to send you to war, we will send you with everything you need to win.
Now, some branches of the military have had recruiting problems in recent years. Not the Marine Corps—you all consistently met your goals. And now, for the past two months, every branch has been meeting its recruitment goals. I think that speaks to a renewed sense of patriotism and excellence across the country.
Thank you for being part of 250 years of American tradition. Thank you for putting on the uniform. The most valuable resource in America isn’t oil, gas, or minerals—it’s you. Young, patriotic Americans willing to defend their fellow citizens.
It’s easy to forget how extraordinary that is when you’re just doing your job, focused on getting through the day. But even when the vice president isn’t dropping in, I want you to remember: we see you, we appreciate you, and we respect you.
And now—yeah, I know I was late. (Laughter.) That’s not Marine Corps time, my friends. As Gunny Arledge used to say, “If you’re five minutes early, you’re ten minutes late.” So what does it mean when the Vice President is two hours late?
AUDIENCE MEMBER: You’re on time!
THE VICE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.) I guess I’m on time—because who’s going to get me in trouble, right?
The reason I was late is because I was in the Oval Office with the President. I stood up and said, “Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting on me.” He said, “You’ve got to get out there.”
I asked if he had a message, and he said, “Tell them I love them, and I’m proud of them.”
So let me echo the President, and a grateful nation: We love you, we’re proud of you, and we will support you every step of the way.
God bless you, Marines. Semper Fidelis.
AUDIENCE: Oorah!
[End at 1:43 P.M. EDT]