The 31st Beirut Remembrance will be observed at the Beirut Memorial on Thursday, October 23, at 10:30 AM. The observance will honor the fallen service members and survivors who served in Lebanon from 1958 to 1984 and in Grenada.
The observance is an annual event organized by the City of Jacksonville Beirut Memorial Advisory Board in cooperation with the City and Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base.
Major General Richard L. Simcock II, Deputy Commanding General II MEF, is scheduled to deliver the Beirut memorial address.
Author and sister to one of the Beirut fallen, Elisa Camara Thompson, will deliver special remarks as a family member.
The general public is welcome to attend. Parking for this event will be at the Veterans Cemetery. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the Trinity United Methodist Church.
Media Notes:
• A mult box will be provided for live sound from the event.
• Media should coordinate their attendance and request for coverage with the Camp Lejeune Public Affairs Office (910 451-7435) as this is aboard a Military reservation.
• Rehearsals will be held at 10:30AM Wednesday and Thursday before the observance. Some, but not all, of the participants will be at the site during this time.
• Two other events are not associated with the City of Jacksonville but we wish to make you aware of them:
o The Marine Corps League will hold a public Beirut Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Beirut Marker at Camp Geiger at 2 PM.
o There will also be a private Candlelight Service for Beirut Veterans and family members at 6 AM at the Beirut memorial site.