Remembering the Rhode Island Nine
On Monday, October 23, Director Lawrence Connell of the VA Providence Healthcare System joined other officials and community members at the Portsmouth Historical Society to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Beirut Marine barracks bombing.
The solemn ceremony honored the 241 U.S. servicemen who lost their lives in the terrorist attack on October 23, 1983, including nine Marines from Rhode Island.
Director Connell expressed his gratitude and respect for the fallen heroes and their families.
The ceremony featured a wreath-laying, a rifle salute, and a reading of the names of the Rhode Island Nine. They were Cpl. Stephen E. Spencer, L/Cpl. James F. Silvia, Pfc. Thomas A. Julian, Lance Cpl. Edward Soares Jr., Sgt. Timothy Giblin, Cpl. David C. Massa, L/Cpl. Thomas A. Shipp, L/Cpl. Rick R. Crudale, and L/Cpl. Edward S. Iacovino Jr.. The night before, a candlelight vigil was held at the Rhode Island Nine Beirut Memorial in downtown Providence to remember the Marines and all the victims of the Beirut bombing.