vigil is

set for Oct. 23

PUTNAM — Members of the American Legion Post 13 will host its second annual 31st Anniversary Remembrance: A Candlelight Vigil to honor the memory, service and sacrifice of the service members who lost their lives in the Beirut barracks bombing. 

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 at Rotary Park.  The event will be held rain or shine. All are welcome. Come to the bandstand in Rotary Park. The group will then go to Veterans Memorial Park where there will be a brief ceremony of remembrance and wreath laying.

In the early morning hours of October 23, 1983, 241 U.S. service personnel, 220 Marines and 21 other service personnel were killed when a truck loaded with explosives was driven through the gate and into the barracks of the Marine compound in Beirut Lebanon. This was the most deadly attack against U.S. Marines since the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

Last year the local vigil was organized by Kat Voght of Dayville who, as a Marine Mother was inspired by the efforts of “Doc” Paul Doolittle, USMC Retired, who in an effort to raise awareness walked 273 miles in and around Jacksonville, N.C., where the official Memorial stands. The Putnam candlelight vigil attracted many, including at least one local veteran who was serving in Beirut at the time. The gentleman, a Marine Veteran, was overcome with emotion and said, “I didn’t think anyone remembered.”

 “The purpose of our vigil is to honor the memory of those who lost their lives and to offer support to those who carry the scars with them still. Not enough people know that this took place, and it’s a very important part of our Nation’s history. We are hopeful that the community will come out and join us in remembering those who so bravely served and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. ” said Voght.