Dick Lugar: “I rise to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragic April 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. As we speak…”

“I rise to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragic April 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. As we speak, thousands of State Department employees are living and working abroad, promoting U.S. interests and building stronger relations with foreign governments and their peoples. While their work is always important, it is also sometimes dangerous. The 25th anniversary of the April 18, 1983, bombing of the U.S. embassy in Beirut reminds us of this fact. On that sad day, the lives of 63 people, including 42 Americans and Lebanese members of the Embassy staff, were tragically taken. In addition to those who lost their lives, many others were injured, including 35 embassy personnel. On April 18th, 2008, the State Department will host a commemoration ceremony. Senior U.S. Government officials will join Ambassador Robert Dillon, the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon at the time of the bombing, and over 100 family members of the victims to remember their sacrifice. The U.S. Senate also joins in honoring the service of those who died, mourning their death, and condemning all terrorist acts that deliberately target the innocent. We also reiterate our unwavering support for the people of Lebanon and their government as they seek to build a better future free from the threat of terrorist violence.”