Beirut Remembrance

‘May their legacy be a beacon of hope’

By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Putnam is only one of two towns in Connecticut that has a remembrance for those lost in the Beirut Barrack Bombing in 1983.
Master of Ceremonies Chris Steinbrick, American Legion Post #13 senior vice commander, spoke of Kat Vogt who asked the town years ago to have a remembrance ceremony “to remind those of us that take freedom for granted.” Town officials and especially Don Steinbrick helped her navigate through channels “to get us where we are today. Without her insight and passion, this corner of Connecticut would most likely forget those who gave their lives trying to bring peace to a war-torn country.”
The attack on the barracks, Oct. 23, 1980,  killed 307 people: 241 U.S. and 58 French military personnel, six civilians and two of the attackers. 
The group read aloud the names of the 241 American casualties and when they got to a Connecticut resident, they paused as Steinbrick laid a rose on the ground in remembrance. Later Voght placed the roses against the Veterans Park’s Beirut Memorial (that was donated by Don Steinbrick).
Readers included: Tina Lajoie, Brian Maynard, Bill Schmidt and Dennis Laperle.
Taking part were: The Post #13 color guard that included Chas MacKenzie, Curt Prochowski and Frank Tremont. Robert Challinor played taps on a bugle.
Also taking part were: Pierre Desilets, the legion’s chaplain with the invocation and benediction; Janet Muscara-Schmidt of the Elks Americanism Committee, Mayor Barney Seney, Bill Schmidt of the Elks Veterans Committee and others.
In attendance were selectmen and also veterans from the surrounding area including the Chrome N Steel Veterans Riders CT.
In his closing prayer, Desilets said “As we now disperse, say their stories with a renewed spirit. Carry their memory forward.” He added: “Live life dedicated to the principles for which they served — peace and justice. May their legacy be a beacon of hope.”
Steinbrick asked those in attendance on Oct. 23 to “Remember those who cannot be here with us. Light a candle. Say the Pledge of Allegiance. Take a breath of free air or just a moment of silence.”
Remember.

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