Beirut Memorial

On October 23, 1983, 241 Marines and soldiers were killed when a truck filled with explosives was driven by a suicide bomber into the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.  In the close-knit community that is Rhode Island, the bombing hit particularly close to home as nine Marines from Rhode Island, including four Aquidneck Islanders, were killed.

Marines remembered are Cpl. Rick R. Crudale, Sgt. Timothy Giblin, Cpl. Edward S. Iacovino Jr., Lance Cpl. Thomas Julian, Cpl. Thomas A. Shipp, Cpl. Edward Soares Jr., Cpl. Stephen Spencer, Cpl. David C. Massa and Cpl. James Silvia.

"The only reason that people like us can enjoy the freedoms we do today is because of men like those in Beirut, Lebanon," "It is important to always remember." -Lt. Col. Andrew L. Solgere

Excerpts from https://www.beirutveterans.org/2020/10/rhode-island-beirut-memorial

The Beirut bombing remains the single deadliest day for the U.S. Marine Corps since D-Day at Iwo Jima in 1945 and the deadliest day for Rhode Island service members since the Civil War.

“While today is an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who were lost, it is also an opportunity to inspire new generations to understand the freedom they have been given, to grasp how and why it is theirs, and to dedicate themselves to pass it on to generations yet to come,” “The dedication that takes place today is a wonderful example of ensuring the memories of these warriors continue to live on.”- Acting Under Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Gregory J. Slavonic

The memorial is located on the Providence River on Dyer Street and is open to the public.

Excerpts from https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2370168/acting-under-secnav-honors-rhode-island-nine-marines/