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AMVETS REMEMBERS THE BERUIT BOMBING
Leaders gather at Arlington National Cemetery to mourn the victims
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2008— On this day, twenty five years ago, 241 American service members lost their lives when a suicide bomber slammed his truck into the Marine Corps barracks at Beirut International Airport. Two mintues later, a similar attack occurred at the nearby French barracks, killing 58 of our allies.
Among the 241 U.S. troops who perished in the deadliest attack on U.S. forces since WWII, were 220 Marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers. These brave Americans were sent to Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force, before their lives were taken in the cowardly act of Islamic extremists.
“We must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice on this fateful day,” said AMVETS National Commander Chad Hapner. “Our troops were in Lebanon to defend her people. Unfortunately, cowardly Islamic militants had no interest in keeping the fragile peace, and brutally took out their wrath on the very same people sent to protect their way of life.”
The Islamic Jihad took responsibility for the attacks. However, the U.S. intelligence community believes Islamic Jihad may have been a precursor to the group Hezbollah, an internationally recognized terrorist organization with financial ties to Iran.
On Saturday, Oct. 18, the White House Commission on Remembrance hosted the 25th annual tribute to the troops killed in the Beirut barracks at Arlington National Cemetery. AMVETS leaders were on hand for the memorial, along with several survivors, who spoke of their experiences that fateful day. Dignitaries from France and Lebanon also delivered remarks, recalling the fateful day.
AMVETS asks that we each pause today to remember our brave troops and our allies who perished while seeking to preserve the peace in Lebanon. It is important that we never forget the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make each day.
About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. For more information, visit www.amvets.org |
Media Contact:
National
Publications Editor
Jay Agg
(301)-683-4035
jagg@amvets.org
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