MacDill remembers Beirut bombing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ned T. Johnston
  • 6th Air Mobility Command
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE Fla. --  On this day 30 years ago, a violent bombing ripped through the barracks of the 1st battalion, 8th Marines Landing Team in Beirut, Lebanon. Subsequently, this attack resulted in the deaths of more than 240 Marines, soldiers, and sailors.

In commemoration of the tragic event, MacDill hosted an official remembrance ceremony at the U.S. Central Command memorial.

In attendance were more than 100 military members from both U.S. and coalition forces, Beirut veterans, and family members of those whose lives were taken.

Key note speaker for the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Robert B. Neller, Marine Corps Forces Central Command commander, who started by posing the question, "So why do we remember?"

Continuing Neller stated, "It's because whether you're a Marine, Air Force, Army, Navy, or a civilian, we all hold ourselves up to the motto of semper fidelis. We are faithful to those we honor today."

"October 23, 1983 was a long time ago," said Neller. "Most people here weren't born yet or even old enough to remember where they were that day. Regardless, don't let today go by without taking a moment to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice."

Following his speech, Neller, accompanied by Sgt. Maj. Lawrence P. Fineran, MARCENT command sergeant major, presented a wreath to honor those killed.