Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor during the Sail 250 parade, marking the United States' 250th Independence Day anniversary. He called for greater national unity and highlighted the contributions of ordinary Americans in shaping the country's history.
Key Milestones and Common Citizens
Vance recalled pivotal moments in American history, including the nation's role in saving the world from tyranny during World War II and the Apollo moon landing. He emphasized that these achievements were not solely the work of leaders and scientists but also of everyday citizens. "When we saved the world in World War II from tyranny in the 20th century, we needed great military leadership and tactical genius from our generals. But we also needed Rosie the Riveter, Iowa farm girls who built the machinery of war and the sweethearts they sent to a world away," Vance said.
He added, "When we went to the moon, of course, our great astronauts flew the rockets and our great men of science and engineering built them. But there were clerks and janitors and welders like my grandfather who each played their distinctive American part. All of us have a part. All of us had our part, our role to play in creating 250 years of a proud American story."
Rejecting Division and Zero-Sum Thinking
Vance urged Americans to reject division and a narrow focus on the nation's past flaws. "What I'd ask you to do, my fellow Americans, on our 250th birthday, is to reject the two-dimensional view of your fellow citizens, and reject the two-dimensional view of your country. Reject that America is a place for zero-sum thinking because it is not; our history is one of people carving a great civilization out of the wilderness. Reject the view of your nation that sees only its sins, but not its grace and its greatness," he stated.
He further stressed collective effort: "Everything we have done as a country, we have done together. Not as citizens divided against each other but as a common people working towards a common future."
Contrast with New York City Mayor's Remarks
Vance's comments were seen as a veiled response to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who on X defined patriotism as "every act of righteous dissent." Mamdani wrote, "Today and all days, let us remember that patriotism is not pretending our nation is without flaws. Patriotism is every act of righteous dissent -- because loving our country means fighting for the best version of it."
Call for Future Participation
Vance encouraged Americans to contribute to the next 250 years of the nation's greatness. "I say to all my fellow Americans, I'm proud of you. Happy birthday. And happy birthday to our great nation," he concluded.
Nationwide Celebrations
The White House announced a full year of festivities under President Trump, beginning on Memorial Day 2025 and continuing through the end of 2026. First Lady Melania Trump extended wishes on X, stating, "Freedom is more than a constitutional principle. Individual Liberty is the foundation that lets one create, build businesses, challenge convention, and pursue ideas without fear. Self-determination inspires different thinking. It's the same free will our founders fought for in 1776 - and the same natural rights America protects today. Happy 250th birthday, USA!"
The White House is engaging all levels of government, the private sector, non-profit and educational institutions, and every citizen across the country to celebrate this historic milestone.
