Vice President JD Vance took the stage at the Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday Ball in Washington, D.C., on Saurday, greeting a crowd of Marines in dress blues with a booming, "How we doing, Marines?"

He grinned as the ballroom erupted in cheers. "It’s so great to be here to celebrate 250 years of the United States Marine Corps," he said, drawing loud applause.

"That, my friends, is what the Marine Corps does — it keeps us honest."

The address marked the start of Veterans Day weekend and underscored the White House’s emphasis on military strength and service.

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The vice president — himself a proud Marine veteran — earned a standing ovation when he reminded the crowd that he was "the very first vice president of the United States to have been a United States Marine."

Vance reflected on joining the Marines as a 19-year-old recruit on the yellow footprints of Parris Island, South Carolina. 

"The Marine Corps has kept me honest," he said. "It gave me great training, it gave me a sense of purpose, and it gave me lifelong friends."

He credited those lessons with shaping his life long after service. "The Marine Corps has done more for me than I can possibly repay," he said. "But the thing that I promise, so long as I have the honor of being your vice president, is that I will continue to honor the United States Marine Corps."

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In a moment that drew lots of laughs, Vance told the story of meeting a 99-year-old Iwo Jima veteran earlier in the evening. The Marine had teased him about his beard, and Vance said, "I’m the Vice President of the United States, and this guy is busting my b--ls for having a beard."

He laughed and added, "That, my friends, is what the Marine Corps does — it keeps us honest."

Throughout his remarks, Vance paid tribute to Marines of every generation, "from the young to the old, from the lance corporals born in 2006 to the veterans of Iwo Jima."

He told the audience he was "proud" of each Marine and vowed, "We’re going to keep on winning America’s wars for the next 250 years."

Vance also promised in a moment of resolve that America’s leaders would never again send troops into harm’s way without clarity of mission and support for those in the field.

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"When we send you off to fight our nation’s battles, we will do it with full confidence," he said. "We will give you the knowledge and the tools you need to win, and we will make it clear that your job is to kick the enemy’s a-- and come home safely."

Vance celebrated the Corps’ relevance in the age of advanced technology. "Let’s be honest," he said, "the battlefield has changed in an incredible and profound way… but I happen to believe that the most important war-fighting technology is not artificial intelligence or anything on a computer. The most important war-fighting technology is a well-trained and well-armed United States Marine."

As the crowd rose for a final toast, Vance took a moment of reflection. "The Marine Corps has done a lot for me," he said. "It’s done more for me than I can possibly repay."

Then, raising his glass, he closed: "I will fight every single day to make sure that the next 250 years are just as damn proud as the first 250. Happy Birthday, Marines."

The ballroom answered with thunderous applause and a sea of raised glasses.

A 22-year-old driver fleeing police allegedly plowed into a packed Florida patio bar early Saturday, killing four people and injuring at least 13 others in what Tampa's police chief called a "senseless" tragedy.

Silas Kenneth Sampson, 22, is charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing to elude serious bodily injury or death, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) records.

He is being held at the Falkenburg Road Jail without bond.

Tampa Police Department (TPD) Chief Lee Bercaw said at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday, officers were monitoring a car street racing and driving recklessly on Interstate 275.

The driver, later identified as Sampson, continued to drive recklessly at high speed and exited the interstate and headed into downtown Ybor City.

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At about 12:45 a.m., Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) found Sampson, initiated a pursuit, and attempted an unsuccessful PIT maneuver.

FHP disengaged as Sampson continued speeding toward 7th Avenue, later losing control of the car and crashing into a local gay bar, Bradley's On 7th, Bercaw said.

Sampson allegedly struck more than a dozen adults who were on an outdoor patio, killing three victims at the scene.

A fourth victim died at the hospital, while two victims remain in critical condition, according to authorities. Seven other victims are in stable condition, two were admitted and discharged, and two were treated on scene.

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Officials said that, as of Saturday, there is no evidence to indicate the victims or business were targeted by the alleged suspect.

HCSO released video footage of Sampson being brought into the Orient Road Jail following the crash.

"We ask that you continue to keep those affected, and those mourning the tragic loss of their loved one, in your thoughts as we continue to work in partnership with FHP to seek justice for the victims and their families," the city wrote in a news release.

Witness Howard Hopkins told affiliate FOX 13 Tampa Bay he saw the car jump the curb, hit the corner of the building, and plow through the crowd on the business' patio.

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"Tables went everywhere, chairs went everywhere, bodies went everywhere — it was pretty bad," Hopkins told the outlet.

Bradley Nelson, owner of Bradley's on 7th, released a statement on Facebook Saturday night, describing the incident as "horrific."

"This event has been very traumatic for my entire staff, and myself," Nelson wrote. "Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who were killed, and to all the injured. Bradley’s on 7th is known for being a very tight-knit family of employees and customers. Our customers are very loyal and have made Bradley’s on 7th what it is today. They are truly part of our family. We ask you to remember all those killed and injured in your prayers, as we do the same."

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He also thanked first responders who rushed to the scene to help.

"I cannot say enough about the expert job done by the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff Office and the Florida Highway Patrol and all the involved EMS teams," Nelson said. "The speed in which this event was handled, should be noted by all."

Nelson said out of respect for the victims, and the mental trauma staff experienced, Bradley’s on 7th will remain closed until Monday.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also weighed in on social media, noting the entire city was shaken by the tragedy.

"What happened in Ybor City last night was devastating," Castor wrote in an X post. "Families are grieving, first responders are hurting, and our entire city feels this loss. My thoughts are with everyone affected. The investigation continues, and our commitment to keeping our community safe has never been stronger."

The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.