Political Quotes

“We are here today to honor the 241 American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on this very day 36 years ago in Beirut, Lebanon. For my family and so many families, today is deeply emotional. When I enlisted in 1979 as a young man, I wanted to serve and be part of something bigger. That led me to the United States Marine Corps and, like every marine, I took an oath to God, country, and to the Corps. Semper fidelis is not just a slogan or a creed; it is a way of life that only those who have earned the eagle, globe, and anchor can fully understand. Semper fidelis is part of the very fabric of every marine, past and present. I served as a first lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. In 1983, my battalion was ordered to Beirut, Lebanon, in support of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit. I vividly remember the evenings we sat on the roof of the Marine barracks with the American flag flying over our head. The barrage of small arms gunfire and mortar rounds made it very clear that we were in harm's way every day. On this very day 36 years ago, a terrorist affiliated with Hezbollah and financed by Iran drove a truck bomb into the barracks we called home. 241 American servicemen were killed, 220 of which were my fellow marines. 241 sons, brothers, fathers, and friends never returned home. 241 came in peace, and 241 lives were stolen from us by an act of absolute pure evil.…”