By William Tauro

Recently I was asked to write an article regarding the 30th anniversary of the bombing of Beirut.

I was asked this by a very good friend of mine, Somerville Police Officer Robert Hickey who not only as a US Marine who served in Beirut, but also of a person, a very good person who’s heart is with the Marine Corps, the brave men, women and children who lost their lives in that brutal assault!

Yes of course I could’ve written the article, but after reading Robert Hickey’s letter that he sent to me, which by the way actually made a tear or two in my eye, I thought “wow, he described it all in a nutshell and what better way to get the word out, but by his very own words that came from his heart!”

So please ladies and gentlemen, remember our fallen heroes who lost their lives on that day. The brave, innocent men, women and even children who will never be forgotten!

Robert Hickey wrote:

“Billy, this October 23rd is the 30th Anniversary of the Beirut Bombing. It was the first terrorist attack targeting Americans and Somerville lost Richard Gordon there. Although I served in Beirut I did not know Richard on a personal level. Richard is the last resident buried in the Veterans Cemetary across from Clarendon Hill Towers.

As a fellow Beirut Veteran our first duty is to remember so I am asking if you would write something that commemorates the sacrifice paid by these Marines.

It was the heaviest single loss of life since Iwo Jima, we lost 241 Brave Souls to a frustrating peacekeeping Mission.

It is a difficult time of year for those who served in Beirut as well as family of those that made the Ultimate Sacrifice.

This Oct 20th General Al Gray will be the guest speaker at the Massachusetts Beirut Memorial, we lost 9 from the State. Please, if you can do a nice piece and remember Richard Gordon, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Hick”