Vice President JD Vance marked the 250th anniversary of the US Marine Corps with a grand celebration at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, featuring a live artillery demonstration. The event, which included fighter jets, Navy vessels, helicopters, and live fire from a towed howitzer, was the largest of its kind in the continental US in a decade. However, the demonstration drew sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who condemned the exercise for closing a section of Interstate 5, citing extreme safety risks and distractions for drivers. Newsom, a Democrat, labeled the live fire over a busy highway as ‘dangerous.’ Vance’s office countered these claims, accusing Newsom of fear-mongering and emphasizing the importance of military training exercises. During his speech, Vance reflected on his own Marine Corps service, praised the military’s role in shaping his life, and criticized what he termed as ‘woke’ aspects of the military, aligning with the Trump administration’s focus on eliminating diversity initiatives. He also blamed Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for the recent government shutdown, assuring troops that President Trump is committed to ensuring they receive their due pay. Despite the political undertones, the event highlighted the Marine Corps’ legacy and its significance in American history.