    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [October 23, 2008]
    [Page 1337]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attack on the Marine
    Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon
    October 23, 2008

        Twenty-five years ago, a suicide bomb destroyed the Marine barracks
    in Beirut, Lebanon. We remember the 241 American marines, soldiers, and
    sailors who lost their lives in that attack, and we pay tribute to their
    families and loved ones. The U.S. forces in Lebanon were serving as part
    of the multinational force working to bring peace and security to that
    country, torn by years of civil war.
        On the anniversary of this unconscionable attack, we honor the
    memory of those brave service men and women through our commitment to
    succeeding in the war on terror. We express our gratitude to those
    serving abroad to protect America and promote peace and freedom around
    the world. And we reiterate our strong support for the voices of
    moderation and justice in Lebanon.