The Sgt. Mecot Camara Detachment came to life December 15, 2018 at noon. Sgt. Camara was killed in the attack on October 23, 1983. The Ceremony took place at the American Legion Post 32, located in Beckley, WV. This was such an honor because new charters are not often given out and this was the first in West Virginia in many years.
A Story That Must Be Told
February 23, 2019
On February 23, 2019 a group with many Beirut veterans and family members in attendancegathered at a community park in Port Charlotte, FL for a dedication ceremony. The highlight of this groundbreaking ceremony was announcing the future construction of the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower that will be a central feature of the park. Rising out of the middle will be 241 staggered rods, one for each person killed on October 23, 1983. It will be a place to reflect on, learn about, and enjoy the freedom and sacrifice of others for generations to come.
The Formation
November 5, 2018
Hundreds gathered on October 22 to participate in the Formation. It started with the veterans joining together by company. Family members joined in and it ended with the vets folding the flag that flew over Camp Geiger.
35 years later...
November 5, 2018
35 years ago our worlds were turned upside down. Things would never be as they once were. Husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, cousins, and friends were lost. Scars were formed that could never heal. The young men that returned home were not the same men that deployed. The Beirut Veterans of America Organization is charged with ensuring the world never forgets. The week of the 23rd we did just that.
Veterans, Gold Star Families, and friends came together to honor our fallen heroes, to support one another, and to reminisce about the “good ol’ days”. Through tears and laughter, the already strong bond that holds us together grew even stronger.
Memorial Service
November 5, 2018
The annual memorial service took place at The Beirut Memorial at 1030 in the morning on the 23rd. There were 3,000 people in attendance and another 30,000 people watching online. It was one of the best attended memorials.
This was a special service as we heard from the current Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Neller, and the 29thCommandant, the much loved and well revered General Gray. If you did not get to attend, you can view the service here
Archives
- Vol. XXVII Issue I - Jan/Feb 2017 - 33 Year Beirut Remembrance. The Ties that Bind Us. RSII-Jan-Feb-2017.pdf (1.3 MBs)
- Vol. XXVI Issue I - July/Aug 2016 - 32 Year Beirut Remembrance. Another Successful Remembrance; Looking Ahead to 2016 RSII-July-Aug-2016.pdf (1.5 MBs)
- Vol. XXII, Issue 1 – August/September 2014 - AugSep2014.pdf (6.9 MBs)