Congress Honors Fallen Afghanistan Service Members with Gold Medal Ceremony

Washington — On a significant day for the nation, the contributions of the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives in a suicide bombing in Kabul in 2021 were commemorated in a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at the Capitol. This event took place three years after the tumultuous withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan.

House Speaker Mike Johnson presided over the ceremony, which saw the participation of key political figures including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Families of the fallen service members also attended, making the occasion even more poignant. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor that Congress can confer.

“Their names are etched into our hearts and now into the history of our nation,” Johnson stated as he read the names of the 13 service members aloud. “Our nation owes a profound debt of gratitude to these service members and to those who served alongside them in Kabul.”

Jeffries added that while no award could adequately compensate for their sacrifices, it was essential to acknowledge their bravery in defending freedom and democracy until the end. “With this Congressional Gold Medal, we respectfully honor 13 patriots who have fallen in a war zone with remarkable courage,” Jeffries said. “These 13 heroes exemplify the very best of America. They were beloved family members who understood the risks but answered the call to serve, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Americans and allies.”

Schumer referred to the service members as “heroes, guardians, saviors,” emphasizing their struggle for a greater cause. “They fought for a cause that was far bigger than themselves,” he noted, underlining their efforts to bring freedom to those in need.

The legislation to award these medals was introduced shortly after the attack by Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana and Republican Representative Lisa McClain of Michigan. Their efforts resulted in the passage of the measure through both chambers in the fall of 2021, which President Biden signed into law later that December. Both Daines and McClain were present for the ceremony and shared brief remarks.

“We must remember the service, sacrifice, and commitment of the 13 brave men and women who fell that day,” said Daines. “It is also vital to recognize their families, as honoring the fallen brings comfort to those they left behind. Today signifies an important step in that remembrance.”

The event comes at a time when President Biden has faced substantial backlash regarding the evacuation from Afghanistan, a topic being raised by Republicans as the political landscape heats up ahead of upcoming elections. They have been particularly critical of Vice President Kamala Harris’s involvement in the withdrawal, as she prepares to debate former President Donald Trump.

Johnson hinted at the ongoing dissatisfaction among the families of the fallen regarding the perceived lack of accountability from Biden administration officials over the chaos of the withdrawal. Addressing the families present, he said, “I recognize many have yet to hear these words, so I will say them: We are sorry. The U.S. government should have done everything possible to ensure our troops’ safety. The service members who fell at Abbey Gate deserved our utmost efforts, and their families continue to deserve transparency and acknowledgment.”

Recently, Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee released a report criticizing President Biden for allegedly ignoring multiple warnings about the withdrawal in favor of political interests. Democrats responded, asserting that the report selectively presented facts and that the withdrawal process began under the Trump administration.

Former President Trump recently paid a visit to Arlington National Cemetery alongside family members of the 13 service members. His appearance was met with controversy as a dispute arose between a campaign staffer and a cemetery official regarding political activities on the premises. While some viewed Trump’s visit as politically motivated, several Gold Star family members praised him in videos shortly after, expressing their gratitude for his attention to their families.

“President Trump has called,” stated one family member in a campaign advertisement. “President Trump shows up.”