Memorializing the noble act of Marines in Lebanon: citizens of Jacksonville, N.C., pulled together and in 1986 dedicated a permanent reminder to the sacrifices of Marines in Beirut

Gray has often talked about how the Beirut bombing affected him personally. And he's not the only one. Ellzey says he believes the tragic loss of the men who died in Beirut brought the civilian and military communities together. That bond remains strong today. As for himself, Ellzey now counts the families of the Beirut victims among some of his most treasured friends.

Rosen, who put his business into the hands of a family member to concentrate his efforts on building the memorial, agrees with Ellzey that the importance of the memorial to both the area and the families can't be underestimated.

"It was the most important undertaking in my personal life," Rosen said. "But it was always simply a labor of love."

CAROLE MOORE is a free-lance writer and former police officer. She is currently a columnist for The Daily News in Jacksonville, N.C.

RELATED ARTICLE: Stamp should honor Beirut dead.

Justin S. Morrill, a Civil War era U.S. senator, has one. So does a man known as the father of surfing, an obscure Depression-era novelist and artist Andy Warhol. Even cartoon characters like Tweety and Sylvester can claim the honor. But not the 241 men who died in the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983.

Former U.S. Marine Charles Hall has dedicated himself to the quest for a postage stamp issued to honor the men killed in the bomb blast. He's written presidents and congressmen, circulated petitions and talked it up among veterans groups.

"We don't begrudge anybody a stamp," Hall says. But he's astounded that cartoon characters like the Peanuts gang warrant a stamp when the Marines of the Beirut bombing do not.

The U.S. Postal Service plans on issuing a special cancellation stamp known as a "cachet" to coincide with the 20th anniversary. The cachet will be issued only that day at Camp Lejeune.

Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) and 34 other members of Congress have signed on as sponsors of H.R. 45, which calls for the issuance of a commemorative stamp. But the measure falls short of having enough sponsors to move it forward.

Still, both Jones and Hall say they haven't given up the fight. And Hall says plans to honor "all" terrorism victims with a single commemorative stamp doesn't go far enough.

"These were the first to die, the first victims to go down in the war on terrorism," Hall said. "They deserve that honor."

To view or sign the petition, go to www.beirutveterans.com and click on "Beirut Stamp Petition." Or call Charles Hall at (910) 324-1754.

RELATED ARTICLE: 20th anniversary remembrance.

On Oct. 23, 2003, families, survivors and community leaders will gather at the base of Abbe Godwin's bronze statue of a Marine to pay their respects to the men who died in Beirut.

Following the posting of the colors and playing of the national anthem, speakers, including Al Gray (former Marine commandant), Godwin and several Beirut survivors will take the stage.

Recording artist Eric Horner will perform, and wreaths will be laid at the base of the monument. Taps will be sounded at the retirement of the colors.