Announcements

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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 21 October 2023 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.

Registration Now Open!

The event will take place at our new facility located at 417 L Street, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547 on the 14th day of September at 1100.

This October U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon is conducting a series of events that will highlight the sacrifices of those who both served and died in Beirut. It will also send a message to all who visit the Embassy that the mission to help the people of Lebanon continues 40 years later.

Dickinson College and the Clarke Forum For Contemporary Issues will host:
"The Beirut Barracks Bombing of 1983: The Stories that America Needs to Hear"
Thursday, September 21, 2023

Saturday, 14 October 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

LCpl Bradley Campus USMC Monument Dedication (Rain or Shine) will be held at Clark Street Playground – there will be a shuttle bus from Marshall Middle School Brookline St to the ceremony on Clark St – starting at 10:00 a.m.

After the ceremony refreshments will be served at the Hibernian Hall 105 Federal Street, Lynn, MA.

On September 25, 2023 at the Army Navy Country Club this, the 40th Anniversary year, the Capital Area Golf Tournament will honor the memory of the 220 Marines of 1st Battalion/8th Marines that lost their lives on 23 October 1983 when a suicide truck bomber attacked the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

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.

October 20 - 23, 2023 in Jacksonville, NC

The BVA is proud to announce its endorsement of the We Came in Peace documentary project. This project is dedicated to the members of the United States military who made the ultimate sacrifice in Lebanon between 1982 and 1984, their Gold Star families and surviving comrades-in-arms, as well as the United States Foreign Service, Multinational Force members, and our Lebanese allies.

It’s Memorial Day, a time for our Country to remember… we Remember every day. And always Remember their Families.

Forty years after the bombing, the United States remains committed to its efforts to defeat terrorists wherever they are. The American people will never forget those who lost their lives while pursuing peace, promoting human rights, and advancing fundamental freedoms.

U.S. Embassy Bombing 40th Anniversary from Michael Ivey on Vimeo.

HOTEL INFORMATION FOR 40th REMEMBRANCE

You must CALL the hotels to get the Group Rate; websites will not accept Group Code!

On March 15, 2023 at 10 am Charlotte County will host a special groundbreaking event located at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park in Port Charlotte FL to begin construction of the Beirut Peacekeepers Tower.

2022 Honoree: LCpl John McCall USMC · Beirut · 1983

Recorded for Broadcast on G10TV & Streamed Live on Facebook @jacksonvillenc.gov @ camp.lejeune

2:00PM, Sunday, October 23, 2022 Lejeune Memorial Gardens

Download PDF Version of Itinerary Here

October 18^th:

Northwoods Middle School Ribbon Making at the Beirut Memorial Garden

Thursday October 20^th:

1000 Ribbon placement at the Beirut Memorial Grove

Thursday & Friday, October 20^th and 21^st:

0900 Rehearsal, Beirut Memorial Garden

Friday October 21^st:

1st Battalion 8th Marines Beirut Memorial 241 Mile Run. 1100 hours 21 October until approximately 0400 23 October. Location Memorial Garden, future site of Museum of Marines.

1800 – 2100 Burger Night by American Brother Foundation, Mainstay Suites, 2201 N. Marine Blvd. (Proceeds support the “We Came in Peace” Documentary AmericanBrotherFoundation.org)

Saturday October 22^nd:

1100 – 1300 USO BBQ at the LeJeune Memorial Gardens: Suggested you bring your own chairs.

Strength & Honor 7th Annual Beirut Memorial Ride. Registration starts at 0930, Kickstands up at 1100. New River Harley Davidson, 2394 Wilmington Highway, Jacksonville.

1400 - ? Beirut Veterans of America Annual Meeting Hilton Garden Inn, 1016 Jacksonville Parkway.

Immediately following the meeting, the latest trailer for We Came in Peace will be shown.

Sunday October 23^rd:

0600 Candlelight Vigil at Our Wall

1400 39^th Memorial Remembrance

1700 Camp Geiger Wreath Laying

By Sara W. Bock

Beirut Marines Find a Voice in Forthcoming Documentary Film By Sara W. Bock

Soon, construction will begin on the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower, in Port Charlotte, Florida, a town recently impacted by hurricane Ian, at a park named after one of the Marines who died in the Beirut explosion, Cpl. William R. Gaines, Jr. When completed, the centerpiece of the park will be this symbolic 40-foot tower simulating the bombing. Large panels on each floor of the tower will educate visitors, prompting reflection and remembrance.

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

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yoPb-lz_ppSovrQAsawimfsoZ9t-KxbVCrYGOognXGA/edit#gid=1109016379

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

Friday Oct. 21 starting at 1800

SATURDAY
22 OCT 2022
1100-1300
At the Lejeune Memorial Gardens
109 Montford Landing Rd,
Jacksonville, NC 28540

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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.

The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1016 Jacksonville Parkway, Jacksonville, NC, 28546

This year's CT Beirut Memorial Ceremony will be held on Oct 8 at noon.

On February 16 at 11am in Port Charlotte, FL there will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Military Services Memorial.

An American Soldier, Known But To God

Help Support the Jacksonville USO - they’ve always supported BVA! With COVID and building issues, they have been unable to raise funds to support important programs, like assisting service personnel and providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals!

10:30AM, Saturday Oct. 23, 2021

Danbury Veterans Council & City of Danbury Veterans Affairs Office Invite you to attend The Beirut/Lebanon Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony

Remembering all the fallen in Beirut

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.

We have lost several of our BVA family this year. One of our long serving board members Bill Yontz passed away in March.
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.

The BVA is proud to announce its support to build an historical educational legacy that will not only fulfill the BVA mission and purpose, but honor and recognize all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and those who served, supported and advanced the mission.

Please join us at www.beirutpeacekeepers.org today. Only we can preserve our history. The time has come.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black remember those who died in Beirut, Lebanon.

By: Christian Garzone

There were eight Rochester-area men who were impacted by that terror attack, with three of them killed in action.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Doug Jones (D-AL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Todd Young (R-IN) in introducing a resolution that would designate today as a national day of remembrance for members of the United States Armed Forces who were killed or injured by the terrorist attack on the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon on October 23, 1983.

Retired Marines that were present during the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon tell their story at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens on Oct. 21, 2020. A ceremony is held annually to honor the 220 Marines, 18 Sailors and and three Army Soldiers that died on Oct. 23, 1983. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Stephanie Corona-Morales)

Private Vigil for Next of Kin, Veterans and Family Members to go Forward

Breaking News – 9/24/2020 @ 1300 hours EST: The City of Jacksonville publishes a Press Release concerning the 37th Annual Memorial Observance scheduled for 1030 hours on October 23, 2020. The Beirut Veterans of America’s Board and Officers are closely watching these developments, with more information possibly released the week of September 28th. This may include an announcement of changes in social distancing policies (NC Phases) by the Governor of North Carolina. We will keep everyone advised as best we can, and as quickly as we can.

The base COMMSTRAT (Combat Camera/Public Affairs) for Camp Lejeune, NC and are looking to put a video piece together for the Beirut memorial anniversary this year.

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:

There were eight Rochester area Marines in Beirut that fateful morning in 1983. LCpl Steve Frederico, LCpl Jeff Lancie, Pfc Craig Stockton, Pfc Kevin Hayes, LCpl Brad McLaughlin, SSgt Alexander Ortega, Cpl Michael Zawacki and Cpl John McCall. They were deployed to Beirut Lebanon as members of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit that was serving as part of a multi-national peacekeeping force. Three of these Marines, Ortega, McCall and Stockton, were killed in Lebanon.

Strength and Honor Motorcycle Club plans to have its 5th Annual Beirut Memorial Ride 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.

http://www.beirutveterans.org/rs-articles

The Virginia War Memorial celebrated the completion of a nearly two-and-a-half-year expansion Saturday. February 29th. The dedication marked the expanded Shrine of Memory - Global War on Terrorism and Beyond, which honors the 175 Virginians killed in the War on Terror.

Email your request with sizes & quantities to:

[email protected]

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

On 18 October 2019 there is a graduation on Parris Island and Richard Herbster has made several points of contacts on base for Beirut Veterans and Gold Star Families to attend the graduation along with a tour of some parts of the base.

Click below for pictures:

https://www.jdnews.com/photogallery/NC/20191024/NEWS/102309979/PH/1

You can view the entire observance below

Address:
903 Lejeune Blvd.
Jacksonville, NC 28540

More information on the 36th Beirut Memorial Observance events, dinner, hotels and meetings can be found at https://www.beirutveterans.org/36.

USO of North Carolina - Jacksonville Center

9 Tallman St, Jacksonville, NC 28540

The Beirut Memorial Ruck, open to 300 participants, will begin at the Jacksonville Beirut Memorial and travel along the greenway to Camp Lejeune’s Main gate and back to the Memorial. This route parallels the original memorial trees originally planted in honor of the fallen. The ruck is 10.23 miles, representing the month and day of the bombing. Participants are encouraged to carry a weighted pack though it is not mandatory; the participation fee is $35.

Ride begins at 11:30 am. Learn more about registration and contact information on FaceBook @SHMCNC

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/

On February 23, 2019 at 10:00 am the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners will formally dedicate the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park at 20499 Edgewater Drive, Port Charlotte, FL. All who wish to attend this dedication are welcome.

http://www.beirutveterans.org/rs-articles

Update on hotels and events.

Thank You to the Families, Veterans, and Jacksonville community for honoring our fallen brothers!

Greetings to each of you gathered for the 35th remembrance services hosted by the Beirut Veterans of America.

Ed Brown - Photo Credit The Brunswick News

Starting from the Holiday Inn on Monday Oct. 22 at 8 am Doc Brown will begin walking to The Gardens in time for the Unit Formation. Any are welcome to join him for this 3.2 mile walk.

We will have coins and shirts for sale at the 35th.

October 23rd, 1130 hours after Our Main Ceremony

2/8 will be holding an Alumni Day

CP will be Open, Static Display, tours... 2/8 gear available for sale!

LtCol Daniel J. Gaskell `... looks forward to meeting our heroes - SF...'

2394 Wilmington Highway

Meet at New River Harley-Davidson, 2394 Wilmington Highway, Jacksonville, NC 28540

5 years ago in 2013 for the 30th Anniversary of the Beirut Bombing, Paul "Doc" Doolittle walked 273 miles from Oct. 1 to the 23rd in honor of the names on the Beirut Memorial Wall in Jacksonville, NC. It's now 2018 and for the 35th Anniversary he's walking again.

Today marks 35 years that a truck bomb was detonated at the US Embassy in Beirut Lebanon. This tragic event ended the lives of 63 and changed the lives of many more.
We 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].

My sincere thank you for all the work you have done for the victims, families, veterans, and
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

Oct. 22, SUNDAY 2017

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

Thanks to all the BVA members who were able to attend the annual BVA meeting at the USO in Jacksonville, NC on October 22, 2017!

More details and updates on the meeting will be shared soon.

Please visit our coin form page.

Our latest Root Scoop II

Please visit our Final Muster Wall.

On Sunday February 19, 2017 one of our Marine Brothers and a long standing Board Member of the Beirut Veterans of America passed away.

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.

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.

Registration begins at 0900 at New River Harley Davidson.

I must have this information no later then Sunday evening October 16th 2016. Anyone not submitting this information will not be sponsored and will not be able to get a base temporary pass.

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.

Efforts are ongoing to finalize information for activities and accommodations.

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

In Honor of BLT 1/8 Marines and Corpsmen Killed in the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing

Soldier and Team Carry on Marine Marathon Tradition

Randy Gaddo

October 18th:

By Sara W. Bock

By Connie Mack (Retired Senator - FL)

Private Vigil for Next of Kin, Veterans and Family Members to go Forward

Rochester First News

By: Christian Garzone

Private Vigil for Next of Kin, Veterans and Family Members to go Forward

Safety of Participants of Key Concern with Keeping the Pledge to Remember

Here's your chance.....SNAP!

10/20 @ 9 am, New River Harley-Davidson

2394 Wilmington Highway

Program Events:

Contact

The First Duty is to Remember

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October 18^th: