Vice President JD Vance reacted to the breaking news on Wednesday about the shooting of two National Guardsmen near the White House, before he sent an inspiring message to members of the military ahead of Thanksgiving.
Speaking to troops at Fort Campbell airfield in Kentucky, Vance used the first part of his speech to recognize the members of the WV National Guard who were shot. (Vance's remarks begin at around 1:00 into the video below.)
Vice President JD Vance Celebrates Thanksgiving with Servicemembers and Delivers Remarks https://t.co/SsU0EX7yRB
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) November 26, 2025
There's a lot that we haven't yet figured out, but what we do know is that a couple of National Guardsmen were injured in the line of duty," Vance said. "And first of all, I want everybody who's a person of faith to say a prayer for those two national guardsmen, that they are able to spend Thanksgiving with their families instead of losing their lives."
"It's a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they are active duty, reserve, or National Guard, our soldiers are the soldiers and the shield of the United States of America," he added.
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Vance then talked about how it wasn't only him, but President Donald Trump, who is proud of our military.
"Because we know that the most powerful weapon in the United States arsenal, the most powerful weapon anywhere in the world, it's not a rifle, it's not a tank, it's not a helicopter, or an airplane," Vance said. "The most dangerous and lethal weapon anywhere in the world is a United States soldier."
"And we are proud of you, and we are going to stand behind you every step of the way," he added, as he reflected on the "battlefield of the future."
"We look at the next war, God forbid we're called on to fight it; it is going to be, if anything, a war up here (pointing to his head) as much as any other conflict in the history of the world."
Later, the vice president talked about his favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, and said the reason is that it is the "most uniquely American holiday" there is.
His closing message to the troops then was the following:
"...[L]ive your life everywhere with the spirit of gratitude. To recognize that you wouldn't be wearing that uniform were it not for somebody in your life that loved you and cared for you. That you wouldn't have this incredible opportunity to serve the United States…I happen to believe that the life of service and sacrifice is the greatest blessing that we have in this room today. Because what an amazing country it is."
Ahead of these remarks, the vice president, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their family surprised service members by serving them Thanksgiving meals and thanking them for their service.
GIVING THANKS: VP JD Vance, the second lady and the Vance kids kick off Thanksgiving with a hands-on salute to our troops, serving holiday meals at Fort Campbell. pic.twitter.com/3L2D0mKFaD
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) November 26, 2025
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ALSO: Watch: Trump's Hilarious Pardon for Thanksgiving Turkeys, Gobble and Waddle
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, President Donald Trump on Tuesday pardoned two turkeys, "Gobble" and "Waddle," ahead of the holiday as he reminded Americans that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks to God for all our blessings.
🚨 Beautiful final remarks from POTUS:
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 25, 2025
"We thank God for his many blessings & the great success that this country has seen in this short period of time.
We draw strength from the love of family & friends & we express our undying gratitude for the men & the women of the United… pic.twitter.com/VOr538IuCa
"We draw strength from the love of family and friends, and we express our undying gratitude for the men and the women of the United States armed forces," Trump said.
Happy Thanksgiving, and prayers for the soldiers.
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