Changing of the Guard: Seasonal Schedule

From Oct. 1 through March 31, the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier takes place once an hour, on the hour. Guard changes at 30-minute intervals will resume in April. 

Published on: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 read more ...

Beirut Barracks Memorial

Beirut Barracks Memorial, with inscription reading, Let peace take root. This cedar of Lebanon tree grows in living memory of the Americans killed in the Beirut terrorist attack and all victims of terrorism throughout the world. Dedicated during the first memorial ceremony for these victims. Given by No Greater Love, October 23, 1984, A Time of Remembrance

Section 59

The Beirut Barracks Memorial honors the 241 American service members who lost their lives in the October 23, 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marines Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, during the Lebanese Civil War. Two truck bombs, detonated by suicide bombers, struck buildings that housed U.S. and French military members of a multinational peacekeeping force, killing a total of 299 service personnel (241 American, 58 French), along with six civilians and the two suicide bombers. It was the deadliest single-day attack against U.S. Marines since the battle over Iwo Jima in 1945. 

Dedicated in 1984 on the first anniversary of the attack, the memorial is located beneath a cedar tree in Section 59 of the cemetery. Its inscription reads, "Let peace take root. This cedar of Lebanon tree grows in living memory of the Americans killed in the Beirut terrorist attack and all victims of terrorism throughout the world." 

Twenty-one U.S. service members killed in the bombing are buried near the marker. All are in Section 59, unless otherwise noted. 

Name Service  Grave
Cpl. Nicholas Baker                                         Marine Corps            620             
Gunnery Sgt. Alvin Belmer Marine Corps  613-2
Master Sgt. Roy L. Edwards Marine Corps 613-1
Sgt. Robert B. Greaser Marine Corps  608
Lance Cpl. Davin M. Green Marine Corps 618
2nd Lt. Maurice E. Hukill Marine Corps  611
Cpl. James C. Knipple Marine Corps 681-1
Maj. John W. Macroglou Marine Corps 612
Lance Cpl. Timothy R. McMahon Marine Corps  Section 4, 2978-C
1st Lt. David J. Nairn Marine Corps  609
Pfc. Thomas S. Perron Marine Corps  616
Sgt. John A. Phillips Jr. Marine Corps  610
1st Lt. Clyde W. Plymel Marine Corps  607
Staff Sgt. Patrick K. Prindeville Marine Corps  681-2
Hospitalman 3rd Class Diomedes J. Quirante Navy  613-3
1st Lt. Charles J. Schnorf Marine Corps  604
Cpl. Thomas A. Shipp Marine Corps  605
Lance Cpl. Horace R. Stephens Marine Corps  606
Cpl. Eric G. Washington Marine Corps 617
1st Lt. Donald E. Woollett Marine Corps  681-3
Hospitalman 3rd Class David E. Worley Navy  619