Vance recalls key American milestones, contribution of society as US marks 250th Independence day

Vice President JD Vance called for greater American unity as the nation approaches its 250th Independence Day, reflecting on the diverse contributions that have shaped key moments in U.S. history. Speaking aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor during the Sail 250 parade, Vance invoked historical milestones, from World War II to the moon landing, to underscore the vital role of ordinary citizens.

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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.

"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 stated. He further elaborated, "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."

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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.

Vance urged his fellow Americans to reject what he termed "two-dimensional views" of both their fellow citizens and the country itself. He advocated against "zero-sum thinking," asserting that American history is characterized by people building a great civilization from the wilderness, not by a zero-sum dynamic. He encouraged a more holistic perspective, one that recognizes the nation's "grace and its greatness" alongside its past flaws.

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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 civilisation out of the wilderness. Reject the view of your nation that sees only its sins, but not its grace and its greatness.

"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," Vance declared. His remarks were seen by some as a subtle critique of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had defined patriotism as "every act of righteous dissent." Vance concluded by expressing pride in the American people and wishing the nation a happy birthday, encouraging continued participation in shaping its future.

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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.