A total of 241 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers died during the Beirut terrorist bombing on October 23, 1983. If You Forget My Death . . . . Then I Died in Vain. Cpl. Moses Arnold, Jr., Sgt. John J. Bonk, Jr., Cpl. Thomas A. Hairston, Sgt. Gilbert Hanton, Cpl. John F. Muffler, Sgt. Rafael Pomales-Porres, Pfc. RV-Manuel A. Relvas, Cpl. Louis J. Rotondo and Sgt. Allen D. Wesley. All from Philadelphia.

In the early morning of October 23, 1983, the First Battalion, 8th Marines Headquarters building was destroyed by a non-Lebanese, terrorist-driven truck, laden with compressed gas-enhanced explosives. This truck, like many others, had become a familiar sight at the airport and so did not raise any alarm on this morning. The resulting explosion and the collapse of the building killed 241 Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers.

USMC Tun Tavern Leathernecks MC provided refreshments.

It was a beautiful day for the ceremonies. Veterans, old and young, and supporters have gathered here today!

Okay Marines, it's time to get ready for our ceremonies to start, so says Jim 'Southpaw' Curran of the Leathernecks MC.

Charles Chamberlain, Jr. Past Commandant All Divisions Detachment of The Marine Corps League handled the Introductions.

Smedley Butler Detachment Color Guard Posting the Colors.

Smedley Butler Detachment Color Guard Post Colors.

Linda Chamberlain and other Marine Corps League members look on during presentation of Colors.

Lt. Col. Glenn Guenther, USMC I-I 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines salutes during playing of our National Anthum.

While others sing the Anthum.

Numerous Marine Corps League Color Guards were on hand to lend their support. Among them Upper Darby Detachment 884.

Buglers standing bye.

Smedley Butler Detachment Color Guard .

Shawn Gallagher, Beirut bombing survivor and others look on during ceremonies.

Lt. Col. Glenn Guenther, USMC I-I 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines giving his remarks to audience.

Many Veteran MC groups came to pay homage to our fallen Marines. Among them were the Viet Nam Vets MC, Second Brigade MC.

Rolling Thunder® Inc Chapter 1 PA, USMC Leathernecks MC

Chuck 'Graves' Roth attends ceremonies with his grandson CJ Faustino. 109 children lost their fathers that black Sunday

Names of the fallen Marines were read, then a tolling of the bell and placing of flowers for each.

In addition to the 241 initially killed in the bombing thirty two others have died since of injuries from that blast.

And then a final salute to honor each Hero.

And a final salute to honor our heros.

A family member of Cpl. Louis J. Rotondo pays her respects.

Smedley Butler Detachment member gives a salute to our fallen Beirut Marines.

LCDR. Abraham gives the Benediction.

Smedley Butler Detachment Firing Team provided the 21 gun salute.

Lt. Col. Glenn Guenther, USMC I-I 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines gives a final salute to our fallen Philadelphia Beirut Marines.

Members of PA Chapter 1 Rolling Thunder® Inc. attended ceremonies.

USMC Leathernecks MC pose along with some of the honored guest and dignitaries after conclusion of ceremonies.

Mary & 'Lazy Dog' at the Beirut Memorial Ceremony Philadelphia, PA 10-21-2007

In the niche between the two broken walls, which depict the crumbled walls of the bombed headquarters building, there was a pedestal to support a statue. There are 273 names and the words “THEY CAME IN PEACE” engraved on the walls of the Memorial. In addition to the inscribed names of those who died in Beirut and those who have died since of injuries from that blast

"THE OTHER WALL"
It does not stand in Washington
By others of its kind
In prominence and dignity
With mission clearly defined.
It does not list the men who died
That tyranny should cease
But speaks in silent eloquence
Of those who came in peace.
This Other Wall is solemn white
And cut in simple lines
And it nestles in the splendor
Of the Carolina pines.
And on this wall there are the names
Of men who once had gone
In friendship’s name offer aid
To Beirut,Lebanon
They did not go as conquerors
To bring a nation down
Or for honor or for glory
Or for praises or renown.
When they landed on that foreign shore
Their only thought in mind
Was the safety of its people
And the good of all mankind
Though they offered only friendship
And freedom’s holy breath
They were met with scorn and mockery
And violence and death.
So the story of their glory
Is not the battles fought
But of their love for freedom
Which was so dearly bought.
And their Wall shall stand forever
So long as freedom shines
On the splendor and the glory
Of the Carolina pines.
Written by: R.A. Gannon

The full impact of the project is far beyond the beautiful memorial that now occupies the wooded site between Camp Lejeune and Jacksonville, NC.