Congressman Brady attends rededication ceremony at new site of Beirut Memorial Statue

PHILADELPHIA --- Congressman Robert A. Brady (D., Pa.) recently took part in the Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania rededication ceremony at the newly relocated Beirut Memorial Statue. The annual ceremony is held in commemoration of nine Philadelphia Marines killed in the bombing of the U.S. Marine Corps barracks Oct. 23, 1983, in Beirut, Lebanon.

In response to a request to move the statue from Penn’s Landing to Foglietta Plaza where the Philadelphia Korean and Vietnam Memorials are located, the Congressman spearheaded an effort that netted $15,000 in in-kind services to fund the relocation of the statue.

Last year former Marine Wayne Niblock, who is a member of Rolling Thunder, a POW/MIA advocacy organization, asked the Congressman for his support to help the League relocate the bronze statue which bears the names of the area Marines killed in the Beirut attack. He said the statue, which was first dedicated October 20, 1985, was poorly maintained and lacked visibility.

“I responded to the request because during these times when we are asking so much of our men and women in the armed services it is especially important that we properly honor those who died in the service of their country,” said Congressman Brady. “They paid the ultimate price and we can never forget their sacrifice.”

Charles Chamberlain, the Commandant of the All Divisions Detachment of the Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania said he is gratified that the memorial now has a home befitting the sacrifice made by the Marines and their families.

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