The Rhode Island Nine Memorial (Rhode Island IX State Memorial and Remembrance Park)
Dublin Core
Title
The Rhode Island Nine Memorial (Rhode Island IX State Memorial and Remembrance Park)
Subject (Topic)
Subject (Topic)
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
Providence River Walk--Downtown--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
Providence River Walk--Downtown--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence
Subject (Name)
Subject (Name)
Crudale, Rick Robert, 1962-1983
Giblin, Timothy Robert, 1963-1983
Iacovino, Jr., Edward Salvatore, 1963-1983
Julian, Thomas Adrian, 1961-1983
Massa, David Sousa, 1962-1983
Shipp, Thomas Alan, 1955-1983
Silvia, James Francis, 1963-1983
Soares, Jr., Edward, 1962-1983
Spencer, Stephen Eugene, 1960-1983
Crudale, Rick Robert, 1962-1983
Giblin, Timothy Robert, 1963-1983
Iacovino, Jr., Edward Salvatore, 1963-1983
Julian, Thomas Adrian, 1961-1983
Massa, David Sousa, 1962-1983
Shipp, Thomas Alan, 1955-1983
Silvia, James Francis, 1963-1983
Soares, Jr., Edward, 1962-1983
Spencer, Stephen Eugene, 1960-1983
Subject (Object)
Subject (Object)
Commemorative sculpture
Commemorative sculpture
Description
The Rhode Island Nine Memorial is dedicated to nine U.S. Marines from Rhode Island who died in the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983. The memorial is comprised of a long granite wall inset with nine tempered glass panels. Each of the transparent panels contains an etched photograph of one of the nine deceased Marines. Nine bronze plaques with biographical information are below each glass panel. On the brick plaza, nine bricks contain the names of each of the deceased Marines along with the words "They Came in Peace." Inlaid on top of the brick is the U.S. Marine Corp seal that includes a globe of North, Central, and South America with an anchor through it, an American eagle with spread wings, five stars, and the numbers 1 and 8 (1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, "The Beirut Battalion"). Two informational plaques (in English and Braille) frame the memorial, describing the events of October 23, 1983.
Creator
Tower Construction Company (Cranston)
Lucid Glass Studio (East Providence)
Lucid Glass Studio (East Providence)
Source
Photographs by Eric Sung, Professor, Providence College
Date
September 27, 2020
Contributor
Jonathan DePault (project manager); Michael Harris; Charles A. Matterson; Charles B. O’Conner; Samuel A. Azzinaro; Rhode Island Marine Corps League
Rights
City of Providence, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Format
JPEG
Language
English
Type
Visual Arts-Sculpture
Coverage
Providence River Walk, Dyer Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States
Has Part
Inscription on bronze informational plaque (left):
At 6:22 on Sunday morning, October 23, 1983, a suicide bomber drove a 19-ton truck through the southern perimeter of the Marine compound at Beirut International Airport, speeding past a sentry post and entering the lobby of the BLT 1/8 headquarters. After a brief and ominous pause, the suicide bomber detonated the truck’s twenty-one-thousand-pound explosive payload, causing a massive explosion, lifting the building into the air, and collapsing the structure.
The compressed gas-enhanced device caused the largest non-nuclear explosion on record at the time, leaving 241 U.S. service members to perish in a mountain of rubble. Two hundred and twenty Marines, 18 Navy sailors, and three Army soldiers were killed that day and more than 100 others were injured. It was the worst single-day death toll for the Marines since World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. The Beirut Bombing marked the true start of the global war on terror.
On that tragic day, the State of Rhode Island lost nine of its own. In 2016, a commission was established by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to build a monument in memory of the Rhode Island Nine.
On this day, October 23, 2020, the State of Rhode Island pays tribute to our nine fallen and brave Marines.
Inscription on bronze informational plaque (right):
The First Duty is to Remember
In 1983 the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit (24th MAU) was assigned to the Multinational Peacekeeping Force (MNPF) in Beirut, Lebanon. The 24th MAU consisted of four elements: command, ground combat (1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment-Battalion Landing Team), aviation combat (Marine Medium Helicopter Squandron-162 REIN, HMM 162), and combat service support (MAU Service Support Group 24-MSSG-24). On May 29, 1983, all major elements of the 24th MAU landed ashore at first light, commenced motorized patrols immediately, and by noon, and assumed their new positions. The BLT 1/8 and the attached units established their headquarters in the former government of Lebanon’s Aviation Administration Bureau. A bombed-out, four story building at the Beirut International Airport, this building was considered one of the strongest in Beirut because of its reinforced concrete construction. Their mission was to continue facilitating the withdrawal of foreign fighters from Lebanon and to help restore the sovereignty of its government at a time when sectarian violence had torn apart the Mediterranean nation.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Sargeant Timothy Gilbin:
SGT. Timothy Robert Giblin, USMC-Born 7/26/63. Hometown North Providence, RI. Administrative Clerk. The youngest child of Jeanne Gilbin of North Providence, who raised 11 children alone after the death of her husband 19 years before. Giblin’s brother, Donald, was also stationed in Beirut during the bombing and accompanied his brother back to the United States. At the age pf 20, Sgt. Gilbin was survived by his wife, Valerie, and his daughter, Tiffany.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Rick R. Crudale:
CPL. Rick R. Crudale, USMC-Born 03/06/62. Hometown West Warwick, RI. Field Radio Operator. The watchful marine pictured on the cover of Time Magazine on October 3, 1983. A graduate of Coventry High School, with certification in welding and autobody work from the West Bay Vocational Technical School. Married to the former Heidi Petrozzi in April 1983.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Edward S. Iacovino, Jr.:
CPL. Edward Salvatore Iacovino Jr., USMC-Born 6/19/63. Hometown Warrick, RI. Had enlisted in the Marines in December 1980. After dropping out of Pilgrim High School in his senior year, earned his high school diploma in the Marines. At the time of his death, was survived by his parents, Elizabeth and Edward.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal David C. Massa:
CPL. David C. Massa, USMC-Born 10/6/62. Hometown Warren, RI. Unit Diary Clerk. Sixth of eight children of Portuguese immigrants Manuel and Christina, he tried to quit school at 16 to help support his family but his teachers talked him out of it and found him jobs. He graduated from Warren High School in 1981 and was planning to go to college after his enlistment.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Thomas A. Shipp:
CPL. Thomas Alan Shipp, USMC-Born 9/4/56. Hometown Woonsocket, RI. Mortarman. One of eight children, he spent six years in the Coast Guard before joining the Marines in 1982. At the time of his death, was survived by a wife, Pauline, from Medway Park, NC.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal James F. Silvia:
CPL. James F. Silvia, USMC-Born 5/26/63. Hometown Middletown, RI. Food Service Specialist. Graduated in 1981 from Middletown High School, where he was on the football and track teams. Was a cook in the Marines and planning on entering culinary arts school after he was discharged. His brother-in-law, CPL. Stephen E. Spencer, also died in the Beirut Bombing. At the time of his death, was survived by his mother, Mrs. Patricia Farrell, and his father Joseph.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Edward Soares, Jr.:
CPL. Edward Soares Jr., USMC-Born 5/23/62. Hometown Tiverton, RI. Food Service Specialist. Had been in the ROTC unit at Tiverton High School from which he graduated in 1981. Was a cook in the Marines. At the time of his death, had planned to marry Lisa Jusseaume, also of Tiverton, in 1984.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Stephen E. Spencer:
CPL. Stephen E. Spencer, USMC-Hometown Portsmouth, RI. Was a native of Pensacola, Florida. His residence has been Portsmouth since marrying Lyn Silvia, CPL. James F. Silvia’s sister in May 1983, one day before he left for Beirut at the age of 23. He is buried in Oklahoma where his mother lives.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Lance Corporal Thomas A. Julian:
LCPL. Thomas Adrian Julian, USMC-Born 10/27/61. Hometown Portsmouth, RI. Intelligence Specialist. Graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1979. His funeral was held at St. Mary Church, where he served as an acolyte throughout his youth. He was a life scout in the Boys Scouts. At the time of his death, was survived by his parents, Joyce and Karl.
Inscriptions on nine bricks on plaza:
They Came in Peace
Timothy R. Gilbin
They Came in Peace
Rick R. Crudale
They Came in Peace
Edward S. Iacovino Jr.
They Came in Peace
David C. Massa
They Came in Peace
Thomas A. Shipp
They Came in Peace
James F. Silvia
They Came in Peace
Stephen E. Spencer
They Came in Peace
Edward Soares Jr.
They Came in Peace
Thomas A. Julian
At 6:22 on Sunday morning, October 23, 1983, a suicide bomber drove a 19-ton truck through the southern perimeter of the Marine compound at Beirut International Airport, speeding past a sentry post and entering the lobby of the BLT 1/8 headquarters. After a brief and ominous pause, the suicide bomber detonated the truck’s twenty-one-thousand-pound explosive payload, causing a massive explosion, lifting the building into the air, and collapsing the structure.
The compressed gas-enhanced device caused the largest non-nuclear explosion on record at the time, leaving 241 U.S. service members to perish in a mountain of rubble. Two hundred and twenty Marines, 18 Navy sailors, and three Army soldiers were killed that day and more than 100 others were injured. It was the worst single-day death toll for the Marines since World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. The Beirut Bombing marked the true start of the global war on terror.
On that tragic day, the State of Rhode Island lost nine of its own. In 2016, a commission was established by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to build a monument in memory of the Rhode Island Nine.
On this day, October 23, 2020, the State of Rhode Island pays tribute to our nine fallen and brave Marines.
Inscription on bronze informational plaque (right):
The First Duty is to Remember
In 1983 the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit (24th MAU) was assigned to the Multinational Peacekeeping Force (MNPF) in Beirut, Lebanon. The 24th MAU consisted of four elements: command, ground combat (1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment-Battalion Landing Team), aviation combat (Marine Medium Helicopter Squandron-162 REIN, HMM 162), and combat service support (MAU Service Support Group 24-MSSG-24). On May 29, 1983, all major elements of the 24th MAU landed ashore at first light, commenced motorized patrols immediately, and by noon, and assumed their new positions. The BLT 1/8 and the attached units established their headquarters in the former government of Lebanon’s Aviation Administration Bureau. A bombed-out, four story building at the Beirut International Airport, this building was considered one of the strongest in Beirut because of its reinforced concrete construction. Their mission was to continue facilitating the withdrawal of foreign fighters from Lebanon and to help restore the sovereignty of its government at a time when sectarian violence had torn apart the Mediterranean nation.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Sargeant Timothy Gilbin:
SGT. Timothy Robert Giblin, USMC-Born 7/26/63. Hometown North Providence, RI. Administrative Clerk. The youngest child of Jeanne Gilbin of North Providence, who raised 11 children alone after the death of her husband 19 years before. Giblin’s brother, Donald, was also stationed in Beirut during the bombing and accompanied his brother back to the United States. At the age pf 20, Sgt. Gilbin was survived by his wife, Valerie, and his daughter, Tiffany.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Rick R. Crudale:
CPL. Rick R. Crudale, USMC-Born 03/06/62. Hometown West Warwick, RI. Field Radio Operator. The watchful marine pictured on the cover of Time Magazine on October 3, 1983. A graduate of Coventry High School, with certification in welding and autobody work from the West Bay Vocational Technical School. Married to the former Heidi Petrozzi in April 1983.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Edward S. Iacovino, Jr.:
CPL. Edward Salvatore Iacovino Jr., USMC-Born 6/19/63. Hometown Warrick, RI. Had enlisted in the Marines in December 1980. After dropping out of Pilgrim High School in his senior year, earned his high school diploma in the Marines. At the time of his death, was survived by his parents, Elizabeth and Edward.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal David C. Massa:
CPL. David C. Massa, USMC-Born 10/6/62. Hometown Warren, RI. Unit Diary Clerk. Sixth of eight children of Portuguese immigrants Manuel and Christina, he tried to quit school at 16 to help support his family but his teachers talked him out of it and found him jobs. He graduated from Warren High School in 1981 and was planning to go to college after his enlistment.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Thomas A. Shipp:
CPL. Thomas Alan Shipp, USMC-Born 9/4/56. Hometown Woonsocket, RI. Mortarman. One of eight children, he spent six years in the Coast Guard before joining the Marines in 1982. At the time of his death, was survived by a wife, Pauline, from Medway Park, NC.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal James F. Silvia:
CPL. James F. Silvia, USMC-Born 5/26/63. Hometown Middletown, RI. Food Service Specialist. Graduated in 1981 from Middletown High School, where he was on the football and track teams. Was a cook in the Marines and planning on entering culinary arts school after he was discharged. His brother-in-law, CPL. Stephen E. Spencer, also died in the Beirut Bombing. At the time of his death, was survived by his mother, Mrs. Patricia Farrell, and his father Joseph.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Edward Soares, Jr.:
CPL. Edward Soares Jr., USMC-Born 5/23/62. Hometown Tiverton, RI. Food Service Specialist. Had been in the ROTC unit at Tiverton High School from which he graduated in 1981. Was a cook in the Marines. At the time of his death, had planned to marry Lisa Jusseaume, also of Tiverton, in 1984.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Corporal Stephen E. Spencer:
CPL. Stephen E. Spencer, USMC-Hometown Portsmouth, RI. Was a native of Pensacola, Florida. His residence has been Portsmouth since marrying Lyn Silvia, CPL. James F. Silvia’s sister in May 1983, one day before he left for Beirut at the age of 23. He is buried in Oklahoma where his mother lives.
Inscription on bronze plaque for Lance Corporal Thomas A. Julian:
LCPL. Thomas Adrian Julian, USMC-Born 10/27/61. Hometown Portsmouth, RI. Intelligence Specialist. Graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1979. His funeral was held at St. Mary Church, where he served as an acolyte throughout his youth. He was a life scout in the Boys Scouts. At the time of his death, was survived by his parents, Joyce and Karl.
Inscriptions on nine bricks on plaza:
They Came in Peace
Timothy R. Gilbin
They Came in Peace
Rick R. Crudale
They Came in Peace
Edward S. Iacovino Jr.
They Came in Peace
David C. Massa
They Came in Peace
Thomas A. Shipp
They Came in Peace
James F. Silvia
They Came in Peace
Stephen E. Spencer
They Came in Peace
Edward Soares Jr.
They Came in Peace
Thomas A. Julian
References
U.S. Embassy Beirut Monument: They Came in Peace, dedicated October 18, 1988. U.S. Embassy in Lebanon.
Medium
Granite; Tempered laminated low iron glass
Bibliographic Citation
State of Rhode Island. House Resolution. General Assembly, January Session. Honoring and Memorializing the Rhode Island Nine. May 24, 2018, H8238, LC005547. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Billtext/BillText18/HouseText18/H8238.pdf
Reilly, George W. "Veterans Journal: PC to Commemorate Victims of ’83 Beirut Bombings." Providence Journal. January 1, 2018.
The Providence Journal Editorial Board, "R.I Must Protect Capitol Grounds." Providence Journal. April 27, 2018.
"Press Releases: House of Representatives to Host Legislative Leap June 24 to Raise Money for Beirut Veterans Memorial." State of Rhode Island General Assembly, May 8, 2018. https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31%2D3c10%2D431c%2D8dcd%2D9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=13776&Web=2bab1515%2D0dcc%2D4176%2Da2f8%2D8d4beebdf488.
Reilly, George W. "Veterans Journal: VA Online Health Portal Wins Government Innovation Award. . . . State House Memorial for ‘Beirut R.I. Nine’." Providence Journal. October 22, 2018.
"Acting Under SecNav Honors ‘Rhode Island Nine Marines." The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website, September 27, 2020. https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2370168/acting-under-secnav-honors-rhode-island-nine-marines/.
Wonson, Craig R. "My Turn: Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Beirut." Providence Journal. October 23, 2020.
Icabbo, K. "N.S. Man Leads Effort on Providence Monument for the ‘Rhode Island Nine.’" NRI Now, October 29, 2020. https://www.nrinow.news/2020/10/29/n-s-man-leads-effort-on-providence-monument-for-the-rhode-island-nine/.
Tower Construction Corp. "The Rhode Island Beirut Nine Memorial." January 5, 2021. https://towerconstructioncorp.com/the-rhode-island-beirut-nine-memorial/.
Lucid Glass Studio. "Laser Etched Glass Monuments-Beirut Nine." https://www.lucidglassstudio.com/laser-etched-glass-monuments-beirut-nine/.
DaSilva, Melanie. "Providence Monument Honoring Marines Vandalized." WPRI.com, May 16, 2022. https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/providence-monument-honoring-marines-vandalized/.
Dubois, Cori. "Woman Questioned for Allegedly Vandalizing Memorial in Providence." ABC 6, Providence Now, May 17, 2022. https://www.abc6.com/woman-arrested-for-allegedly-vandalizing-memorial-in-providence/.
LaFrance, Sam. "Providence Students Raise Money to Help Repair Rhode Island Nine Memorial." ABC 6, Providence Now, June 20, 2022. https://www.abc6.com/providence-students-raise-money-to-help-repair-rhode-island-9-memorial/
Reynolds, Mark. "What and Why RI: Honoring the Rhode Island Nine." Providence Journal, October 20, 2024.
Reynolds, Mark. "Etched in Memory. Remembering the 9 RI Marines Lost in Beirut Bombing 40 Years Ago." Providence Journal, October 23, 2024.
Reilly, George W. "Veterans Journal: PC to Commemorate Victims of ’83 Beirut Bombings." Providence Journal. January 1, 2018.
The Providence Journal Editorial Board, "R.I Must Protect Capitol Grounds." Providence Journal. April 27, 2018.
"Press Releases: House of Representatives to Host Legislative Leap June 24 to Raise Money for Beirut Veterans Memorial." State of Rhode Island General Assembly, May 8, 2018. https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31%2D3c10%2D431c%2D8dcd%2D9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=13776&Web=2bab1515%2D0dcc%2D4176%2Da2f8%2D8d4beebdf488.
Reilly, George W. "Veterans Journal: VA Online Health Portal Wins Government Innovation Award. . . . State House Memorial for ‘Beirut R.I. Nine’." Providence Journal. October 22, 2018.
"Acting Under SecNav Honors ‘Rhode Island Nine Marines." The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website, September 27, 2020. https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2370168/acting-under-secnav-honors-rhode-island-nine-marines/.
Wonson, Craig R. "My Turn: Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Beirut." Providence Journal. October 23, 2020.
Icabbo, K. "N.S. Man Leads Effort on Providence Monument for the ‘Rhode Island Nine.’" NRI Now, October 29, 2020. https://www.nrinow.news/2020/10/29/n-s-man-leads-effort-on-providence-monument-for-the-rhode-island-nine/.
Tower Construction Corp. "The Rhode Island Beirut Nine Memorial." January 5, 2021. https://towerconstructioncorp.com/the-rhode-island-beirut-nine-memorial/.
Lucid Glass Studio. "Laser Etched Glass Monuments-Beirut Nine." https://www.lucidglassstudio.com/laser-etched-glass-monuments-beirut-nine/.
DaSilva, Melanie. "Providence Monument Honoring Marines Vandalized." WPRI.com, May 16, 2022. https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/providence-monument-honoring-marines-vandalized/.
Dubois, Cori. "Woman Questioned for Allegedly Vandalizing Memorial in Providence." ABC 6, Providence Now, May 17, 2022. https://www.abc6.com/woman-arrested-for-allegedly-vandalizing-memorial-in-providence/.
LaFrance, Sam. "Providence Students Raise Money to Help Repair Rhode Island Nine Memorial." ABC 6, Providence Now, June 20, 2022. https://www.abc6.com/providence-students-raise-money-to-help-repair-rhode-island-9-memorial/
Reynolds, Mark. "What and Why RI: Honoring the Rhode Island Nine." Providence Journal, October 20, 2024.
Reynolds, Mark. "Etched in Memory. Remembering the 9 RI Marines Lost in Beirut Bombing 40 Years Ago." Providence Journal, October 23, 2024.
Rights Holder
Department of Art, Culture, Tourism, City of Providence
Geolocation
Citation
Tower Construction Company (Cranston)
Lucid Glass Studio (East Providence), “The Rhode Island Nine Memorial (Rhode Island IX State Memorial and Remembrance Park),” Commemorative Works of Providence, accessed April 1, 2026, https://monuments.artculturetourism.com/items/show/58.