WATCH: Vance urges public to pray for National Guardsmen shot in D.C.

Vice President JD Vance delivered remarks to service members Wednesday at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, as part of a holiday celebration with troops.

Watch the vice president’s remarks in the player above.

He urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the two National Guardsmen shot in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. He cautioned that much remained unknown, including the motive of the shooter.

“I think it’s a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” Vance said as he delivered a Thanksgiving message to troops.

The vice president and his family were scheduled to have a Thanksgiving meal on the U.S. Army base.

READ MORE: How to navigate Thanksgiving travel after the turbulence of the government shutdown

A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue.