A Colorado veteran has returned to Eastern North Carolina to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic Beirut bombing on October 23, 1983. The solemn event holds immense significance, and the veteran is determined to honor the memory of those who sacrificed everything for their country. The trip is a poignant reminder of the bravery and selflessness of our armed forces and a testament to the enduring bond between veterans and their fellow soldiers.
Throughout the month of October, Paul “Doc” Doolittle will be embarking on a journey of 273 miles in commemoration of the fallen. He will be taking it step by step, paying tribute to each one of them in his own way.
In 1980, he joined the Marine Corps and was deployed to Beirut not long after the attacks occurred.
Doolittle expressed his deep bond with his fellow soldiers, stating, “They’re all my brothers. So we all have that camaraderie. It’s an inherent part of our training and experience, so I don’t necessarily need to personally know each and every one of them.”
Doolittle initiated his walk in 2008.
He shared, “Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of meeting various members of their families, and I have also had the opportunity to meet some of the survivors. It truly is a humbling experience to be present here, working towards preserving the memory of their loved ones, as well as their fellow service members who fought alongside them. It’s an honor to ensure that they are never forgotten.”
According to Doolittle, he spends several hours walking every few days, aiming to cover approximately 15 miles each day.
According to Doolittle, taking responsibility for the mileage is his own choice. His motivation comes from the individuals he walks for, including family members and survivors, who do not anticipate him to cover every mile. Nonetheless, he has personally committed to walking every single one of them.
On the anniversary, he will be completing his final two miles on foot.
Doolittle shared that the inspiration for his actions came from his friend Lynn Spencer. Her husband, Stephen Spencer, and brother, James Silvia, are both inscribed on the wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
He has set his sights high and is determined to achieve his goal with help from others who have also served.
According to him, the opinions of his fellow Marines hold the most significance as they understand the level of commitment required to become a Marine. He believes that once someone is bestowed with the title of a Marine, it stays with them forever.
In just 11 days of his journey, he has already covered more than half of the distance.
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