Written on October 23, 2009 at 9:29 am by

Anniversary of 1983 Attack on U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon

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A 2005 observance ceremony at remembering those who lost their lives on Oct. 23, 1983. Unit Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps - Photo by: Lance Cpl. Adam Johnston

A 2005 observance ceremony remembering those who lost their lives on Oct. 23, 1983. Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Adam Johnston, HQ, U.S. Marine Corps

By Ian Kelly
U.S. Department of State

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the October 23, 1983 bombing of the United States Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.  The United States honors the sacrifices of the 241 American servicemen who lost their lives that day in service of their country while protecting the stability of Lebanon.

The Marine barracks memorial on the grounds of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut reads, “They came in peace.”  So too have the troops of the current UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.

On this somber occasion, the United States commends the brave men and women of that mission and of all international peacekeeping missions who work to protect civilians and prevent the outbreak of conflict.

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