[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING HEROES WHO MADE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN OCTOBER 1983

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Pence) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 241 American heroes 
who made the ultimate sacrifice on October 23, 1983, 41 years ago, in 
Beirut, Lebanon.
  For my family and so many families, this day is deeply emotional.
  When I enlisted in 1979 as a young man, I wanted to serve and be part 
of something bigger. That led me to the United States Marine Corps.
  Like every marine, I took an oath to God, to country, and to the 
corps. Semper Fidelis is not just a slogan or creed. For every marine, 
it is a way of life.
  Only those who have earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor can fully 
understand the faith and loyalty instilled in us in the Marine Corps. 
Semper Fidelis is part of the very fabric of every marine, past and 
present.
  I served as the first lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. 
In 1983, my battalion was ordered to Beirut, Lebanon, in support of the 
1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit.
  I vividly remember the evenings we sat on the roof of the Marine 
barracks with the American flag flying over our heads. The nearby 
barrage of small armed gunfire and mortar rounds made it very clear 
that we were in harm's way.
  On that terrible day 41 years ago, a terrorist affiliated with 
Hezbollah and Hamas, financed by Iran, drove a truck bomb into the 
barracks we called home.
  Mr. Speaker, 241 American servicemen were killed, 220 of which were 
my fellow marines, 241 sons, brothers, fathers, and friends, the heroes 
who never returned home.
  Mr. Speaker, 241 came in peace, and 241 lives were stolen from us by 
an act of pure evil.
  It was the deadliest day for the Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo 
Jima.
  It is by the grace of God that I was able to come home to my wife, 
Denise, who was expecting our first child, Nicole. My battalion had 
shipped out 10 days before the bombing, but, Mr. Speaker, today is not 
about me.
  Today is about the 241 soldiers, sailors, and marines who laid down 
their lives to protect our freedoms. Today is about every veteran who 
nobly wore the uniform of our Armed Forces.
  On this somber day, I look out at the flag flying over the U.S. 
Capitol and feel the same reverence I felt standing below the Stars and 
Stripes on the roof of the Beirut barracks in 1983.
  Though I will never know exactly why I was spared when so many were 
not, I understand that our first duty is to remember and be faithful. 
Every year, it does not get any easier to think of my fellow marines 
who never made it back home.
  In the last few months, we have seen some level of justice, with the 
military termination of two of those responsible for stealing 241 
futures with no regard for decency or humanity. While this is a moment 
I and so many have waited for, the families of the fallen deserve more. 
It is my mission to ensure we all remember the tragedy of this day and 
the lives we lost.
  Mr. Speaker, we must always remain faithful and never forget the 
ultimate sacrifice these fine marines made on our behalf for freedom.
  Semper Fi.

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