Annual Ceremony Commemorates Beirut Bombing Victims
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — The Beirut Memorial Observance took place at the Beirut Memorial in Lejeune Memorial Gardens, gathering officials from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River, and local leaders from the City of Jacksonville. This event honors the victims of the 1983 Beirut bombing and recognizes the service members who were deployed to Lebanon between 1981 and 1984, as well as those who fought in Grenada.
Tributes and Performances Highlight Ceremony
The observance featured speeches from military and community leaders, musical performances by the 2nd Marine Division Band and the Stallion Chorale from Southwest High School, and traditional honors including wreath-laying, a rifle salute, and the playing of Taps.
Brig. Gen. Andre M. Ingram, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East-MCB Camp Lejeune, welcomed attendees and reflected on the significance of the event. He remarked on the enduring impact of the tragedy, stating, “Although I was too young to fully comprehend the tragedy when it occurred, I have spent my adult life serving in an organization where the memory of the American peacekeepers we lost is passed faithfully from one generation of Marines to the next.” Ingram emphasized that the lessons learned from Beirut are integral to the Marine Corps’ identity and operations.
Commitment to Remembering Fallen Heroes
Lt. Gen. Robert C. Fulford, commanding general of the II Marine Expeditionary Force, delivered the keynote address for the observance. He reinforced the dedication of current Marines and Sailors to honor the legacy of those who served in Beirut. Fulford assured attendees, “As your Marines and Sailors of the Carolina MAGTF, we are proudly standing the watch, carrying the tradition of selfless service in the defense of our nation, passed down by the veterans of Beirut.” He pledged that should a crisis arise, they would be ready to respond and emphasized the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives in Beirut.
A Unifying Event for Community and Military
The Beirut Memorial Observance serves as a vital occasion for the community, families, and both current and former Marines to come together in remembrance of the events and those impacted by the tragedy in Beirut. This annual gathering reflects the ongoing commitment to honor the sacrifices made by service members and to foster a sense of unity among all those touched by the legacy of Beirut.
Source: Marine Corps Installations East via DVIDS
