Veterans Day to Highlight Terror Attack in Beirut

Special Emphasis on 40th anniversary of Terrorist Attack on Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon to be Part of Veterans Day Ceremony

CATHEDRAL CITY — Mayor Rita Lamb highlights the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday Nov. 11 at Desert Memorial Park, 31-705 Da Vall Drive, at 10 a.m.  The event is being sponsored by AMVETS Post 66 and Jon Castro Chapter of Veterans for Peace.

The event is free and open to the public.

All of the nation’s war dead and veterans are being honored with a special emphasis on the 40th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

Early on a Sunday morning, October 23, 1983, two truck bombs struck buildings in Beirut, Lebanon, housing American and French service members of the Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF), a military peacekeeping operation during the Lebanese Civil War. The attack killed 307 people: 241 U.S. and 58 French military personnel, six civilians, and two attackers.

Rancho Mirage City Councilmember Ted Weill, a Navy veteran is preparing a letter that will be read to the audience. Other elected officials have been invited as well.

The staff of Rep. Ken Calvert is presenting a Certificate of Recognition to World War II veteran Dorothee Irwin. Lee Wilson of the Fallen Heroes Project is introducing the Gold Star Family members. Each family member will receive a rose.

The Cathedral City High School JROTC will present colors. Steve Petersen will perform music. A special letter from late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein praising the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial will be read as well.