Gallagher & Moulton Remember 1983 USMC Barracks Bombing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) introduced a House resolution calling for a national day of remembrance for service members killed or injured by the terrorist attack on the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon on October 23, 1983. The bombing killed 241 American service members, including 220 Marines.

"Hezbollah’s bombing of the U.S. Marine Barracks was the deadliest day for the Marine Corps since Iwo Jima. Yet 35 years later, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations remain a threat to our national security," said Rep. Mike Gallagher. "The service and sacrifices of those lost or injured on this day should never be forgotten. I hope that with this resolution we can honor their memory by renewing our commitment to eliminating terrorist organizations that threaten our way of life."

“I always found inspiration and solace in the quote on the walls of The Memorial Church in Cambridge that reads, ‘While a bright future beckoned, they freely gave their lives and fondest hopes for us and our allies that we might learn from them courage in peace to spend our lives making a better world for others,’” said Rep. Seth Moulton. “The Marines who died at the Beirut Barracks bombing in 1983 lost lives full of hope and potential. Establishing a National Day of Remembrance allows us to commemorate their lives, honor the sacrifice they made, and reflect on how we can answer the call to serve in our own ways.”

Reps. Gallagher and Moulton previously worked together to enact into law bipartisan legislation allowing for the establishment of the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial in Washington D.C.