Thursday, October 23, 2008

October 23, 1983 Beirut USMC Barracks Bombing



American lost over 200 military men in a deadly strike in Lebanon over 25 years ago today. French troops were attacked as well in a simultaneous explosion down the street. While there were a few car/truck bombs before that time, this attack was the proverbial harbinger. It would usher in the modern-day era and future of suicidal terrorist tactics. This attack would motivate bin Laden in a way that had not done so before. Mainly, because the U.S. pulled out of Lebanon after this fatal blow.

Today is a time for reflection and honoring those who've fallen. The War on Terror didn't happen on 9/11; it happened long before then.

No comments: