40th Anniversary of the Bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, in 1982, the United States deployed Armed Forces to Lebanon as part of a multi-national peacekeeping force that included British, French, and Italian military services; and

WHEREAS, the mission was to stabilize a nation torn by civil conflict and to reflect our united commitment to peace and the heavy sacrifices made by those who stand together in the defense of freedom and shared values; and

WHEREAS, at 6:22 a.m. on October 23, 1983, a truck bomb at Beirut International Airport claimed 241 American lives, including Marines, Navy medical personnel, and soldiers, marking one of the deadliest single-day attacks on the United States Marines since D-Day on Iwo Jima in 1945 during World War II; and

WHEREAS, our French allies also endured tragedy on that day when the bombing attack destroyed their barracks in Lebanon resulting in the loss of 58 French paratroopers; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth honors the 11 Virginians who lost their lives and their Gold Star Families who bear the sacrifice of that day, remembering the loyalty and sacrifice of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and veterans; and

WHEREAS, the tragic event led to a reevaluation of military deployment and security protocols, influencing policies in Virginia and across the nation; and

WHEREAS, on this 40th anniversary, Virginia acknowledges the enduring impact of this event and encourages all to honor the fallen through ceremonies and activities to observe this national day of remembrance; and

WHEREAS, Virginians are encouraged to reflect upon the courage and sacrifice of those who were lost, recognizing their profound contribution to our Commonwealth’s and nation’s ongoing pursuit of peace and freedom;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 23, 2023, as the 40^th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOMBING OF THE MARINE BARRACKS IN BEIRUT in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations