You are invited to this year's Annual USMC Birthday Breakfast
U.S. Embassy Beirut Remembers [Updated]
Photos added of Waiting Room and Cedar Trees
The French Version of the Statement below
"Beirut Veterans of America” and “Beirut Veterans of France" join together during this 40th Anniversary to remember those who died in Beirut, Lebanon on October 23, 1983. The 58 French Paratroopers, and 241 American servicemen who died on this day were part of a UN Multinational Peacekeeping force composed of British, Italian, French, and American troops.The Rhode Island Nine Wreath Laying Ceremony
40th Beirut Bombing Observance
This year's guest speaker will be Naval War College student Major Patrick Hassett USMC.
When: October 23rd 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Located through the The MCAS New River Main Gate, located on Curtis Rd.
To get access to the 23rd October/1400 Camp Geiger Ceremony, you will need a pass to get onto the Base (Geiger/Air Station).
LCpl Bradley Campus USMC Monument Dedication (Rain or Shine) will be held at Clark Street Playground
When: October 22, 2023, 9-10:30 a.m.
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, Jacksonville, N.C. in the Grand Ballroom
Marathon Effort!
Soldier and Team Carry on Marine Marathon Tradition
Randy Gaddo
Mike Chard, a special forces soldier who served in Beirut from June 1983 to April 1984, will carry the BVA banner in the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon, as he has done every five years since 2008."The Beirut Barracks Bombing of 1983: The Stories that America Needs to Hear"
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 20th Annual Capital Area Golf Tournament
In Honor of BLT 1/8 Marines and Corpsmen Killed in the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing
You must CALL the hotels to get the Group Rate; websites will not accept Group Code!
2:00PM, Sunday, October 23, 2022 Lejeune Memorial Gardens
A Time to Heal - Beirut Peacekeeper Tower Update
By Connie Mack (Retired Senator - FL)
CLICK image to enlarge!
BLUF: From 21-23 Oct 2022 at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines will host a 241 mile relay run to memorialize the lives lost during the Beirut Bombing on 23 Oct 1983. Runners can sign up for a time slot via the following link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yoPb-lz_ppSovrQAsawimfsoZ9t-KxbVCrYGOognXGA/edit
or
SOM
21 OCT
1130: Opening Remarks/Ceremony
1150: First runners depart
22 OCT
0800: Sync with leadership and Volunteer Cadre
1200: Barbecue Lunch (hamburgers and hotdogs) provided by USO (with BVA support!)
23 OCT
0000-0330: Run ops continue
0330-0400: Closing Ceremony, last mile at 0450
0430-0500: Cleanup and exfil
22 OCT 2022
1100-1300
At the Lejeune Memorial Gardens
109 Montford Landing Rd,
Jacksonville, NC 28540
<-- Click the image at left to enlarge!
Please join Strength & Honor Motorcycle Club in honoring the sacrifices of the 241 Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers who lost their lives on the morning of 23 October 1983 while conducting peace-keeping operations in Beirut Lebanon.
Saturday 22 October 2022 Registration begins at 0930 a.m. All bikes must be registered by 1030 a.m. Riders $20 & Passengers $10 (All Bikes Welcome) Includes Free Memorial T-shirt for the first 100 bikes to register Leave New River Harley Davidson, 2394 Wilmington Highway, Jacksonville 28546 at 11a.m.
2021 Beirut Veterans of America, Inc., Annual Meeting Canceled.
Private Vigil for Next of Kin, Veterans and Family Members to go Forward
The Marine Corps Installations East and City of Jacksonville have again decided to hold this year’s annual Beirut Memorial Remembrance virtually. The Memorial will be closed to the public for the 1030 Observance. This follows the cancellation of Oktoberfest and Patriots’ Day events in Jacksonville. Those decisions were made due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 cases in the Community. Based on the above and the restrictions required, the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Beirut Veterans of America, Inc., is canceled.
Mary Ellen Jackowski, one our Gold Star Mothers passed away in April. You can learn more details about them at the Final Muster section of our website at https://www.beirutveterans.org/final-muster.
Please join us at www.beirutpeacekeepers.org today. Only we can preserve our history. The time has come.
Video Updated: Rochester-area Honor fallen ‘Beirut Brothers’ from terror attack 37 years ago
Rochester First News
By: Christian Garzone
There were eight Rochester-area men who were impacted by that terror attack, with three of them killed in action.Beirut Veterans of America Annual Meeting Cancelled
Private Vigil for Next of Kin, Veterans and Family Members to go Forward
Annual Beirut Memorial Observance to be Virtual
Safety of Participants of Key Concern with Keeping the Pledge to Remember
They are looking for contacts of any Beirut Veterans, includes all, navy and army that were there during the Beirut attack and live near Jacksonville, North Carolina. If you live in the area and are interested in assisting them by doing an interview for the video please contact:
Email your request with sizes & quantities to:
You will be contacted to confirm we have your sizes.
Once you receive our confirmation email, you can Pay at: https://beirutveterans.org/donate. For a limited time only, add $5.00 Postage & Handling for 1 shirt, $8.00 for 2-3 shirts, and $10 for 4-5 shirts. Email us for orders of more than 5 shirts! Put "T-shirts" in the tribute/memory line. You will receive a confirmation email once it sumbits.
BVA Shirts | 35th Rem. | No Date | Lg Emblem | |
$20.00 ea. | 60C / 40P | 60C / 40P | 100 Cot | |
Frt & Back | Frt & Back | Frt only | ||
Size | ||||
XS | $15.00 | 14 | ||
S | $15.00 | 8 | 1 | |
M | 2 | 9 | ||
L | 3 | 10 | ||
XL | 9 | 5 | ||
2XL | ||||
3XL | 8 | 1 | ||
4XL | 4 | |||
5XL | 1 |
The BVA has partnered with Galli Apparel to create Beirut Veterans of America logo approved customized flight jackets for all military branches. Below are just two example jackets for Marine and Navy, but they can also produce Army or Air Force jackets. THE COST FOR THE JACKETS SHOWN BELOW IS $160 Other jacket styles, colors, and patches can be added for additional cost if requested.
Shown below is the MA-1 Flight Jacket features a ribbed collar, 100% Nylon water repellent outer shell, Poly fiberfill lining and 4 front slash pockets. Jacket has an extra full cut and is available in sizes from Small through 3XL, sizes and colors do vary. Adult Sizes: XS-3XL. COLORS: Black, Navy, Sage Green
If you are interested in having a custom jacket made PLEASE CALL 845-226-7305 TO ORDER Their work is very customized, for the best possible service it is best to call. You can see examples of other jackets and patch options at their website at http://gallishirts.com/id324.htm
Have you ever wanted to go to Marine Corps Boot Camp and not get yelled at?
Here's your chance.....SNAP!
Click below for pictures:
https://www.jdnews.com/photogallery/NC/20191024/NEWS/102309979/PH/1
You can view the entire observance below
Wellington LTD is proud to announce its partnership with the BVA. Together we have combined to produce a custom engraved 1911 .45 ACP pistol that captures the legacy of all the comrades who served. Utilizing 24 Karat Gold, Nickel and Black Copper, the different layers of plating bring out the iconic images. This type of firearm is to become a family heirloom and speaks to the motto “Our First Duty is to Remember”. Not only is the legacy of brave souls captured in steel but it also gives back to the BVA. Wellington LTD has pledged a donation for every pistol sold to the BVA. This supports the organization to continue its mission.
A Wellington LTD representative will be at the BVA Annual meeting with a display pistol for those interested in ordering a custom pistol. You can see more pictures and get additional details at https://wellingtonltd.com/beirut-veterans-of-america/
3rd Annual Beirut Memorial Ride, Saturday, October 20th at 9 am
10/20 @ 9 am, New River Harley-Davidson
2394 Wilmington Highway
Meet at New River Harley-Davidson, 2394 Wilmington Highway, Jacksonville, NC 28540We must Always Remember the sacrifices of that day.
Semper Fidelis
Bryan Ayres
President
BVA
All Members are invited to log in using the link below. You can nominate officers and board members and view the minutes from our last meeting on Oct. 22, 2017.
Click to Login
PLEASE NOTE: You will need to know your Member ID to login.
If we have a valid email on file for your membership you can request your Member ID and reset your password using the Reset Password link.
Any questions about accessing the portal should be directed to [email protected].
survivors of all of the tragic events that have occurred in our pursuit for peace and stability in Beirut and all of Lebanon.
The main ceremony located in Lejeune Memorial Garden began at 1030 on Monday, October 23, 2017.
This event was managed by The City of Jacksonville in cooperation with Marine Corps Installation East-Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, & the Beirut Memorial Advisory Board.
Program Events:
- Musical Prelude - 2d Marine Division Band
- Master of Ceromonies - Ron Bower; Beirut Memorial Advisory Board
- Invocation - Chris Phillips; Pastor, River Life Church
- March of the Colors - Second Battalion, Eight Marine Regiment
- National Anthem - 2d Marine Division Band
- Welcome - Sammy Phillips; Mayor, City of Jacksonville
- Guest Speaker - HMCS Darrell Gibson, USN, Ret, Beirut Veteran
- Musical Interlude - 2n Marine Division Band
- Beirut Memorial Observance Address - Lt General Robert F Hedelund, USMC, Commanding General, II Marine Expetionary Force
- Special Music - Prayer of the Children, Arranged by Andrea Klouse, My Country 'Tis of Thee, Samuel F Smith
White Oak High School Chamber Choir, Directed by Hillary Goodson-Spear - Laying of Wreaths
- Rifle Salute - Second Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment
- Taps - 2d Marine Division Band
- Retire the Colors - Second Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment
- Benediction - Lt. Commander Ulysses Ubalde, USN, Chaplain, Eighth Marine Regiment
- Musical Postlude - 2d Marine Division Band
1500 -1800 Annual BVA Membership Meeting: USO
1800-2200: Beirut Veterans Get Together: Holiday Inn Express
Oct 23, MONDAY 2017
0600: Candlelight Ceremony at Memorial: Camp Johnson
1030: Remembrance Ceremony at Memorial: Camp Johnson
1400: Marine Corps League Devil Dogs Ceremony—Camp Geiger Circle
(NOTE** Access to Camp Geiger is through MCAS New River Main Gate)
1800-2200: Hospitality Suite: Beirut Veterans and Families: Holiday Inn Express
Glenn Dolphin served as a 1st LT in the role of Asst Communications Officer for HQ 24th MAU during its deployment in Beirut from May to November of 1983. He authored an account of his experience in Beirut in a book titled 24 MAU 1983. In the book he shared his heart, humor, and commitment to duty.
Registration begins at 0900 at New River Harley Davidson.
The Comfort Suites, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Mainstay Suites all have blocks set up for Beirtut Veterans and families.
Comfort Suites, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express are honoring the $65.00 plus tax per night amount for kings or doubles. Mainstay Hotel is honoring 1 Queen, $60/night; 2 Queens, $70/night. See form below for more details on room availability.
All,
I hope this finds everyone back at home and settled back safely into their routines no matter where you live. I’d like to say thank you to all of you who traveled to Jacksonville and to those who arranged and held separate Remembrance Ceremonies in other locations. If you weren’t able to attend a Remembrance I’m sure you were with us in spirit.
Congratulations go out to our new appointees and Board Member. They are:
Richard Truman ; New Membership Chair
Jeff Hamman; Root Scoop Editor
Stacey Pollard; Board of Directors
I look forward to working with all of you. Your willingness to step up and answer the call of service to the BVA speaks volumes.
A special thank you again this year to Dan Joy whose tireless efforts and leadership set an example for us all.
Be well.
Semper Fidelis,
Bryan Ayres
BVA, President