Community News
US Marine Corps Survivors of the 1983 Beirut Bombing to Produce Film of Event
by: Kevin Jiggetts
Posted: September 24, 2018
SIMI VALLEY... “They Came In Peace" is the unfortunate tagline referencing the terrorist attack on the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, subsequently murdering 241 American Servicemen in 1983.
The script was written by Kevin Jiggetts, who survived the blast with two broken legs. He was the only survivor in his room. The project is lead by and produced by Mr. Jiggetts along with Dedoceo Habi (who was a young Marine in Beirut and witnessed the event), and is now in fundraising mode.
2018 marks the 35 years since the bombing and for the most part, it's significance in American and World History has been either forgotten or never heard of by most Americans.
Our story deserves its place in American Cinematic History alongside the other conflicts that came before (and after) 1983 that have made their way to the big screen. The filmmakers are currently building out the base team, paying special attention to using Beirut era and other Veterans wherever possible. Presently in its' 4th draft, the script continues to evolve as the team consults with other Survivors, current Active Duty Military personnel, and a number of research-based reference documents, it continues to receive accolades for its authentic representation of life for the Marines of Beirut, Lebanon, 1983.
Our First Duty as Americans is to remember 23 October 1983 and all of the Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers that served as part of the Multinational Peacekeeping Forces from 1982-1984. Survivors, family members, friends, and the United States Marine Corps continue to pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of Peace.
"The first years after the attack I was in complete denial and hoping to wake up from the nightmare," says Mr. Jiggetts. "Coming to terms with our loss was a tough road. As an Actor I’ve been approached by numerous Beirut Family members about developing a screenplay. Writing it was difficult and I depended on the youthful memories of the many Brothers that are etched in my psyche forever. They are my inspiration."
"For me, this project is so much more than a simple film project. I've lived with PTSD and Depression as a result of what we experienced and I have decided now is the time for me to reconnect with this very important part of my past," says Dedoceo Habi. "For me, this project has become part of my therapy."
The families and friends of the Our Fallen are excited that we have taken on this project and support a positive effort and outcome.
241 Counts of Murder and approximately 100 additional counts of Attempted Murder, executed against U.S. Peacekeepers -- this is the story we are telling. TCIP is necessary to cementing the legacy of The Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers of Beirut in Cinematic History, and it’s been a long time coming.
Producers Kevin Jiggetts and Dedoceo Habi have nearly 50 years of combined entertainment experience. In addition, they both served Honorably as U.S. Marines in Beirut, Lebanon during the unfolding of those horrific events.