I did 23 years in the Marine Corps and I'm going to tell you, this is what an American looks like.

@bull52772

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SoundTikTok sound · original sound - bigdaddy196726

Why it worked

The video leverages a strong, emotionally charged personal hook from a veteran to defend a culturally significant event, creating a sense of shared identity and patriotism that resonates with a specific audience.

Summary

A Marine Corps veteran reacts to footage of a Native American powwow grand entry, praising the patriotism and service of the veterans participating in the ceremony. He defends the inclusion of traditional regalia alongside military uniforms, emphasizing his respect for his fellow service members.

Structure

1Creator introduces the video with a personal statement about American identity.
2Creator comments on the military uniforms and flags shown in the powwow footage.
3Creator defends the display of traditional regalia alongside military service.
4Creator shares a personal anecdote about a former recruit.
5Creator concludes with a message of support for his fellow veterans.

Product placement

PowWows.com (a) appears as a watermark and in the final on-screen text; it is a resource for powwow information. Removing it would not change the video's content.

On-screen text

VETERANS GRAND ENTRY BLACK HILLS POWWOW 2026 GRAND ENTRY VETERANS LEAD THE WAY Carrying the colors for every nation & branch HONORING ALL WHO SERVED Our warriors • our protectors • our relatives WOPILA THANK YOU, VETERANS Black Hills Powwow 2026 • powwows.com

Original caption

#greenscreenvideo #greenscreen

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Transcript

I did 23 years in the Marine Corps and I'm going to tell you, this is what an American looks like. We got a Marine Corps flag here. We have Marine Corps cammies right here. Look what it says down below. Veterans lead the way, carrying the colors for every nation and branch. We got Army veterans in here. And I'm sorry, look how beautiful these women look. They look beautiful and they served their country. Look at the flags they're carrying and the uniforms they're wearing that they earned. American flag, Army uniform, prisoner of war, missing in action flag right here. It says Black Hills Powwow right down here and then they got the tricolors cammies on. I love that. That's what I joined the Marine Corps wearing. Some people have compared this to beards and uniforms and everything going on in the Army and whatever. You can't compare anything to this right here. Look, this to me, this is beautiful. This to me is American. This to me is warrior spirit. And I love how patriotic they are. They got their, you know, Marine Corps, Army cammies on, Marine Corps flag. Guys, if you want to me to hate on this, I'm just not going to do it. As I said, I had a recruit named Running Crane. I was a drill instructor in San Diego, California in 2004 to 2007. You've never met a more fierce warrior. This is one of the most American things you can do. Some of you guys may not understand it, you may not like it, you may not agree with it, but these Marines, these service members are my brothers and sisters and I will fight and die with them. And if you'll fight and die with them, drop a comment, show love, show support, because you got a lot of people hating on this. We got Navajo code talkers in the Marine Corps. These guys, I don't think he's Navajo, but you know what? I don't care because he is my brother. Running Crane, Kills Crow, you are my brothers. To anybody that sees this, I love you guys. Drop a comment, show some love.