Columbus Standard

U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN) delivered remarks on the House floor in remembrance of the 241 servicemembers who died in the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Congressman Pence, who served in the Marine Corps from 1979-1983, was stationed in Beirut that year and left just days before the bombings.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 241 American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on October 23, 1983, 41 years ago, in Beirut, Lebanon," said Pence. He noted that this day is deeply emotional for many families, including his own.

Pence reflected on his time in the Marine Corps: "When I enlisted in 1979 as a young man, I wanted to serve and be a part of something bigger. That led me to the United States Marine Corps." He emphasized that "Semper Fidelis is not just a slogan or creed. For every Marine, it’s a way of life."

He recounted his service as a First Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines and described their deployment to Beirut: "In 1983, my battalion was ordered to Beirut, Lebanon in support of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit."

Pence vividly remembered sitting on the roof of the Marine barracks with an American flag overhead amidst nearby gunfire and mortar rounds. He recalled October 23 as "a terrorist affiliated with Hezbollah and Hamas, financed by Iran," drove a truck bomb into their barracks.

"241 American servicemen were killed," he said. "220 of which were my fellow Marines... It was the deadliest day for the Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima."

Reflecting on his personal connection to that day, Pence stated: "It is by the grace of God that I was able to come home to my wife, Denise, who was expecting our first child." His battalion had left Beirut ten days before the bombing.

Pence stressed that his speech was not about him but about honoring those who lost their lives: "Today is about every veteran who nobly wore the uniform of our Armed Forces."

He concluded by emphasizing his commitment to remembering those fallen servicemembers: "We must always remain faithful and never forget the ultimate sacrifice these fine Marines made on our behalf for freedom."

The full video of Congressman Pence's remarks can be found here.