[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 1, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      BEIRUT VETERANS PROCLAMATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHUCK EDWARDS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2023

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, the United States of America has always 
been a symbol of peace and freedom and has achieved this stature 
throughout the world because of the selfless service of our veterans. 
From those who fought in the Revolutionary War to those serving in 
harm's way now, our country's armed forces have given up the comforts 
of home, the company of loved ones, and--for some--even their own lives 
to secure the blessings of liberty for many in our world.
  Today, we honor those who served our country as peacekeepers in 
Lebanon between 1982 and 1984, with courage, honor and valor.
  It has been just over 40 years, on October 23, 1983, since the deadly 
bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, where 241 United 
States Marines, Navy and Army personnel lost their lives to a deadly 
terrorist bomb. Many consider that horrific episode to be the beginning 
of America's war on terror and set the precedent for how our country's 
military approaches conflict in the Middle East. Almost three dozen 
more lost their lives as part of this mission.
  We will always remember them.
  This terrorist attack took the most lives of U.S. military servicemen 
since the Tet offensive in the Vietnam War and more lives of United 
States Marines since the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.
  This act has now faded into the obscurity of textbooks, university 
lectures and most Americans' memories. The Beirut Veterans of America 
have a motto: ``The First Duty is to Remember,'' to memorialize those 
brothers who lost their lives and the families who have endured the 
last 40 years of sacrifice, separation, anguish and loneliness to keep 
our world free from the tyranny of bullies, thugs and terrorists.
  These men ``Came in Peace'' and gave the ultimate price of freedom: 
their lives.
  Be it proclaimed that this past October 23 and each one to come is 
dedicated to honoring and recognizing the memory of these souls who 
shall never be forgotten.

                          ____________________