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They Came In Peace
Posted by Raven on October 23rd, 2006
Reposted from last year:
A ceremony was held Sunday to honor the Marines and sailors who were murdered in Beirut.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – (October 23, 2005) — “Oct. 23, 1983. For Onslow County, it was a day that will live in infamy,” said Maj. Gen. Robert C. Dickerson, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations East.
Civilians and service members gathered together Sunday at the Beirut Memorial in front of Camp Johnson to pay tribute to those who “Came in Peace.” This year’s guest speaker at the observance ceremony was Gen. Michael W. Hagee, the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
“For most of us Marines, that day is seared into our memories,” said Hagee. “I was a young major at the time, and I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I found out. I will remember that until the day I die.”
In the early morning of Oct. 23, 1983, a terrorist-driven truck loaded with explosives, drove into and destroyed 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment’s headquarters building. The resulting explosion and the collapse of the building killed 241 Marines, sailors and soldiers.
Nicholas J. Mottola, a former combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, was on-ship with the 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit when the bombing occurred.
“We were on our way to relieve the Marines in Beirut when it happened,” said Mottola. “As soon as we heard what happened, we were ready to get over there, kick some [butt] and take care of business.”
I don’t know any Marine who doesn’t remember that day. For those too young at the time to remember, I don’t know any who don’t know the stories of honor, courage and strength from those who survived this.
The legacy of those 273 Marines, sailors and soldiers who lost their lives in Lebanon between 1982-1984, is being honored today by the valiant men and women of armed forces continuing the fight against terrorists and extremists, according to Hagee.
“America did not wish to send Marines abroad, but we sent them,” said Hagee. “We did not ask for violence, we answered. We did not start this war on terror, but we will end it.”
Semper Fi
Cross Posted @ Flight Pundit
Linked @ GM’s Corner
