Vice President JD Vance delivered a powerful message to America’s future military leaders at the U.S. Naval Academy graduation. He praised the Class of 2025 for choosing service over comfort, calling them “the steel backbone of American greatness.” The speech celebrated traditional values, with Vance declaring “honor, courage, and commitment aren’t just words – they’re the American way of life.”
Vance blasted weak leadership that put “woke politics over warriors,” drawing cheers from the midshipmen. He warned that China’s growing navy proves America must strengthen its defenses, not shrink them. The vice president promised the crowd: “This administration will make our military so strong, no enemy dares challenge us.”
A thunderous moment came when Vance honored the Star-Spangled Banner, calling it “the cloth that binds patriots across generations.” He reminded graduates they defend more than territory – they protect “the idea that freedom beats tyranny every time.” Midshipmen responded with chants of “USA! USA!” that shook the stadium.
The vice president slammed Biden-era military cuts that left ships rusting and planes grounded. “Weakness invites war,” Vance thundered. “We’re done apologizing for American power.” He pledged new ships, advanced weapons, and pay raises for troops – promises met with roaring applause.
Vance told personal stories about meeting wounded warriors who “bled red, white, and blue.” He choked up describing a Navy SEAL who died saving comrades, saying: “Heroes don’t fight for diversity workshops – they fight for each other.” The emotional moment united the crowd in silent salute.
The speech took aim at college protesters “burning flags while these heroes earn them.” Vance declared: “Real change-makers wear uniforms, not tent cities.” He urged graduates to lead with “moral clarity against the woke mob poisoning our youth.”
President Trump’s shadow loomed large, with Vance praising the commander-in-chief’s push for “peace through undefeatable strength.” The vice president vowed to purge “DC bureaucrats who’ve never smelled gunpowder” from military leadership roles.
As F/A-18s roared overhead, Vance left the class with a final charge: “You’re not just officers now – you’re guardians of the greatest nation God ever created.” The future sailors and Marines marched out ready to defend America’s values, not the left’s radical agenda.
