Vance praises sailors after storm damage
Washington, July 5 (IANS) US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday praised American sailors for restoring the venue of the US Navy’s 250th anniversary celebrations within hours after severe weather damaged preparations overnight, calling their efforts another example of the dedication and professionalism of the country’s armed forces.
Speaking aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor, Vance revealed that the celebration almost faced major disruption after a storm struck the venue on the eve of the Independence Day event.
“What you folks watching at home on TV may not realise is that everything that you saw, everything that you see today was destroyed last night in a storm,” Vance told the audience.
“But these great sailors rebuilt it in 12 hours so that you all could be here so that we could have this amazing procession and so we could celebrate our 250th birthday in style.”
The Vice President’s remarks drew applause from the audience of sailors, Marines, Coast Guard personnel, veterans, Gold Star families and invited guests attending the America250 commemorations.
Vance opened his address by thanking the service members gathered aboard the amphibious assault ship and recognising their role in protecting the country.
“I wanna welcome the incredible sailors who are with us today, all the Marines, the Coasties, and countless others from all of our forces who serve our nation and do so proudly,” he said.
He also paid tribute to Wounded Warriors and Gold Star families attending the ceremony.
“I especially wanna thank and welcome our Wounded Warriors and Gold Star families, many of New York’s finest police officers and bravest firefighters.”
Vance thanked Admiral Caudle and Acting Secretary Cow for their leadership in organising the event and conveyed greetings from President Donald Trump.
“I have to give a shout out to Admiral Caudle and, of course, Acting Secretary Cow, two great Americans.”
He added that the President had revived “this incredibly proud naval tradition as we celebrate 250 years of American daring and 250 years of American naval excellence.”
The Vice President described the anniversary as a celebration of both military service and the nation’s history.
“Today we celebrate 250 years of America facing the future without fear. We celebrate 250 years of proving what a free people can achieve by the providence of our Almighty Creator.”
Throughout his address, Vance repeatedly praised the contributions of American sailors and the Navy’s role in the country’s development, linking today’s service members with those who served during the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and the Second World War.
He concluded by thanking those in uniform and encouraging Americans to continue contributing to the country’s future.
“All of us will need to do our part to create the next 250 years of American greatness,” Vance said. “I’m proud of you. Happy birthday and happy birthday to our great nation.”
The USS Kearsarge ceremony was one of the centrepiece events of the America250 commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The celebrations brought together members of the US armed forces, veterans, foreign military representatives and invited guests in New York Harbor.
Vance’s acknowledgement of the sailors’ overnight work highlighted the logistical effort behind the high-profile ceremony and underscored the Navy’s emphasis on readiness and resilience as it marked two and a half centuries of service.
–IANS
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