Marines search for bodies in the aftermath of the bombing Today is the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut Lebanon. The morning of Sunday, October 23, 1983, a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden truck onto the compound at Beirut International Airport that housed a barracks where hundreds of Marines were sleeping. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a then-minor player in Arab militant politics, calling itself Islamic Jihad, which claimed responsibility for the bombing as it did for the deadly truck bomb attack on the French military barracks of the MNF the same morning. That unknown group was later determined to be what is now known as Hezbollah,.
No, there is no like. A childhood friend of mine lost her husband in the bombing. She was left a widow in her 20s, with an infant son who never knew his father.
There is no ‘like’ here, either, just tons of empathy. There is no getting over profound loss. The old you is gone, and you learn to live differently. Not an easy path.
October 25, 1983 the great defender Ronnie Reagan sent 2,000 troops to invade Grenada! His way of showing that he was a courageous warrior after the failure of HIS intelligence agencies resulting in the Beirut bombing two days earlier! Reminds me of another great defender li’l Georgie Bush invading the wrong country after the 9/11 tragedy on our soil!
I was working as a Realtor with a local newscaster when this bombing occurred. After several days, the coverage seemed to disappear and I asked my client why? He said it was “old news” and when he saw my dismay, he explained that viewers want fresh news. I went home and wept.
Once again a great historical account of an event lost to memory for most, Tom. Your marvelous and often horrifying images serve to sear this day into one's mind in a most effective way. History is grateful to you. And so am I.
I remember being incensed at the time because the guards at the perimeter were not allowed to have loaded weapons. One of the guards said the truck's driver waved at them as he drove past their position up to the barracks building..... As it happens, the Bride and I tied the knot some16 years later on the same day. Not what I'd like our anniversary to be remembered for.....
So heartbreaking... I can remember, although I wasn’t very knowledgeable about what was going on then. But I saw my mom devastated when she heard, and tears filled her eyes...
I cannot “like” this post. Thank you.
Semper Fi.
I agree Ally. But thank you Tom for sharing your historical knowledge. As painful as it is.
No, there is no like. A childhood friend of mine lost her husband in the bombing. She was left a widow in her 20s, with an infant son who never knew his father.
I had a co-worker who lost his brother, who had followed him into the Marines. He never got over it.
There is no ‘like’ here, either, just tons of empathy. There is no getting over profound loss. The old you is gone, and you learn to live differently. Not an easy path.
October 25, 1983 the great defender Ronnie Reagan sent 2,000 troops to invade Grenada! His way of showing that he was a courageous warrior after the failure of HIS intelligence agencies resulting in the Beirut bombing two days earlier! Reminds me of another great defender li’l Georgie Bush invading the wrong country after the 9/11 tragedy on our soil!
Thank you. Repubs are so great at diversion. Anything but accepting responsibility.
Thank you for this powerful remembrance, TC. I recall a friend was on a carrier in the Mediterranean at that moment.
Thank you TC for this reminder.
I was working as a Realtor with a local newscaster when this bombing occurred. After several days, the coverage seemed to disappear and I asked my client why? He said it was “old news” and when he saw my dismay, he explained that viewers want fresh news. I went home and wept.
It did indeed disappear. I wondered why.
Once again a great historical account of an event lost to memory for most, Tom. Your marvelous and often horrifying images serve to sear this day into one's mind in a most effective way. History is grateful to you. And so am I.
I remember being incensed at the time because the guards at the perimeter were not allowed to have loaded weapons. One of the guards said the truck's driver waved at them as he drove past their position up to the barracks building..... As it happens, the Bride and I tied the knot some16 years later on the same day. Not what I'd like our anniversary to be remembered for.....
So heartbreaking... I can remember, although I wasn’t very knowledgeable about what was going on then. But I saw my mom devastated when she heard, and tears filled her eyes...
I had forgotten so many of the details. Peacekeeping behind a gun isn’t a very successful approach.
Especially when you pick a side.
Did Ronnie have a red line, or anything resembling a response. I remember the bombing, but not much else
He had no response - Cheryl is right.
Didn’t he abruptly pull out troops and some accused him of losing the latest round of chicken? Can’t remember.
Thank you, guess he hadn't starred in enough war movies.