October 23, 1983

[Lew]

Did that happen on a Sunday? For some reason, I want to say I was at church with my dad and the minister told everyone about it. I was 13 at the time, obviously having no idea what Hezbollah was.

I give all props and thanks to those who served and died. But you're correct, Trav; if you hadn't posted this, I wouldn't have remembered it (maybe next year, being the 25th anniversay, they'll have some more coverage about it)

[Beachcomber]

I remember the attack but didn't remember the date. As much as I admired Ronald Reagan I think our presence in Lebanon at that time was the most retarded thing this country has ever done. Our troops were sitting ducks, they carried rifles but had no bullets. Literally. I guess our presence was supposed to restore "security". All it did was foster resentment. The Middle East is a mess, has always been a mess and always will be. Develop alternatives to their oil, and let them blow themselves up I say.

[Lew]

I couldn't agree with you more, GL. And I wasn't the biggest Reagan fan, and I do agree that we shouldn't have been there in the first place. But I didn't realize that at the time, of course, and in any event, I always believe in honoring those who have died in service.

[travelinman]

Tuesday, All of America should pause to pay tribute to the more than 200 Marines, sailors and soldiers who died when a Hezbollah terrorist drove a truck filled with explosives into the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. This was October 23, 1983 twenty four years ago today.

Regrettably this will hardly make the news. Amazing how little the press and much of America cares about the ones that put their lives in danger. These fine soldiers did this so many who will not bat an eye today and have no clue could keep themselves nice and cozy in their own little worlds.
.
The Oct. 23, 1983, suicide bombing was the largest non-nuclear explosion and the most fatal terrorist act against Americans up to that time.

Richard Ray, vice president of the Beirut Veterans of America, said their organization's first duty "is to remember." I feel it should be the first duty of all Americans to remember.

The Marine Corps League will lay a wreath at the Beirut Marker at Camp Geiger at 2 p.m. Tuesday. For more information about the ceremony, or about the Beirut Veterans of America, visit www.beirutveterans.org.

Please take a few moments to honor these fine soldiers in your own way not just today but everyday you awaken a free citizen. We can never repay the men and women that have sacrificed their lives for our country and freedom. We can also "NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICE". May they all rest in peace in the hands of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven and sit at the Table of Honor with Our Almighty God.

Thank you soldiers. I remember. Please forward this on so all will remember.

[travelinman]

Hey BS,

Was it Bush's fault 1983 also?

[cincygreg]

Hard to believe that it was that long ago. I was in high school when this happened.
They really should signify the day somehow, in memory of those who were lost.