WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) introduced H. Res. 887, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in remembrance of the victims and in honor of the veterans of the peacekeeping mission in Beirut, Lebanon, from 1982 to 1984.

On October 23, 1983, more than 241 U.S. Marines, sailors and soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah suicide terrorist attack on the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. During the period of 1982 to 1984, a total of 273 servicemen died while serving the United States peacekeeping mission in Beirut, Lebanon.

“Since the tragic events of September 11th, Americans have joined in solidarity to defend the ideals upon which our nation was founded, and to combat the evils of terrorism. We must not forget that the soldiers who lost their lives in Beirut were some of our first victims of terror,” Congressman Jones said. “These soldiers went to restore peace in a war-torn nation. A commemorative stamp in their honor would not just further mourn their loss, but would celebrate peace in the American spirit that was embodied in the mission of these fallen heroes.”

For nearly 25 long years, survivors and family members of those who served in Beirut have petitioned the United States Postal Service requesting the issuance of a U.S. postage stamp to commemorate the Beirut peacekeeping mission. To date, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Some of the reasons given for not issuing the stamp include: “We try to honor positive things,” “Beirut lacked significance in American history,” and “Not enough people were killed.”

“Families and friends in 36 states across the U.S. lost loved ones in and around Beirut in 1983,” Jones said. “There is scant justification for failing to seize the opportunity to recognize those who have given so much for our country.”

For additional information, please contact Kathleen Joyce in Congressman Walter B. Jones’ office at (202) 225-3415.