Camp Lejeune marks 26th anniversary of Beirut bombing

Marines at Camp Lejeune will hold a remembrance ceremony to honor the more than 250 American servicemen killed when two truck bombs struck the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983.

The ceremony Friday at the Beirut Memorial near Camp Lejeune will be followed by a wreath laying and a private candlelight service.

Lt. Commander Phillip Ryman, who survived the bombing, planned to meet with fellow Marines who also survived the attack. Ryman said the ceremony allows them to catch up and reminisce over a good meal and, most importantly, thank God they lived.

The Marines were part of an international peacekeeping force in Lebanon. More than 200 Marines were killed in the attack, the corps deadliest single-day since the Battle of Iwo Jima.