A commemoration event on September 10 at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will mark the third anniversary of the suicide bombing in Kabul. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will present the Congressional Gold Medal to honor the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, as announced by his office on August 26.
The service members who perished in the attack at Abbey Gate, near Hamid Karzai International Airport, include Marine Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, Marine Cpl. Daegan Page, Marine Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton Soviak, and Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee.
The terrorist group ISIS-K, linked to South-Central Asia, orchestrated the attack, which also claimed the lives of numerous Afghan civilians. Congressional leaders have noted that the Congressional Gold Medal, akin to the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honors the service members' ultimate sacrifice.
“These 13 heroes displayed courage beyond measure, and though they are gone, their legacies endure through their loved ones,” said Speaker Johnson.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the lasting impact of their sacrifice. On July 18, at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, family members voiced their criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the situation. Christy Shamblin, mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, expressed frustration that President Biden had not acknowledged their sacrifice, contrasting him with former President Trump’s more personal engagement with the families.
To honor the victims, Trump laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on August 26. On the same day, President Biden paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, recognizing them as patriots who embodied bravery and selflessness. Vice President Kamala Harris also commemorated their sacrifice, praising their service and dedication to the nation.
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