Service members killed in Afghanistan honored in Congressional Gold Medal ceremony

Washington — On Tuesday, the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives in a 2021 suicide bombing in Kabul were posthumously honored with Congressional Gold Medals at a ceremony held at the Capitol. This commemoration comes three years after the tumultuous U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

House Speaker Mike Johnson hosted the ceremony, joined by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Family members of the fallen service members, who were killed during the attack at Kabul airport, were also in attendance. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can award.

Johnson spoke solemnly about the service members, stating, "Their names are etched into our hearts and now into the history of our nation," before reading each name aloud. He emphasized the nation's deep gratitude for their sacrifice.

Jeffries acknowledged that no award could fully repay the sacrifices of the service members but praised their dedication to defending freedom and democracy "until their last breath." He said, "With this Congressional Gold Medal, we reverently honor 13 patriots who have fallen in a war zone with tremendous valor. The 13 heroes we are honoring here today represent the best of America."

Schumer referred to the service members as "heroes, guardians, saviors," highlighting their commitment to a cause larger than themselves.

Legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medals was introduced by Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican, and Rep. Lisa McClain, a Michigan Republican, shortly after the attack. The legislation passed both chambers in the fall of 2021 and was signed into law by President Biden that December. Both Daines and McClain participated in the ceremony and delivered brief remarks.

Daines emphasized the importance of honoring both the fallen service members and their families, saying, "It is our duty to remember the service, the sacrifice, and the faithfulness of the 13 brave men and women who fell that day. Today is an important step on that journey."

The ceremony comes amid ongoing scrutiny of President Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Republicans have used this as a point of criticism, highlighting Vice President Kamala Harris's role as she prepares to face former President Donald Trump in their first debate.

Johnson addressed criticisms of the Biden administration, acknowledging that many families of the fallen have yet to receive a formal apology. "To the families who are here, I know many have yet to hear these words, so I will say them: We are sorry," Johnson said. "The U.S. government should have done everything to protect our troops. The fallen and wounded at Abbey Gate deserved our best efforts, and the families who have been left to pick up the pieces continue to deserve transparency, appreciation, and recognition."

On Monday, Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee released a report criticizing Biden for allegedly prioritizing political considerations over national security. Democrats countered that the report was biased and misrepresented facts, pointing out that Trump’s administration initiated the withdrawal process.

Last month, Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery with the families of the 13 service members. During his visit, there was a dispute between a campaign staffer and a cemetery official over political activities. While some viewed Trump’s visit as politically motivated, several Gold Star family members defended him in videos released after the visit. In a recent Trump campaign ad, some family members thanked Trump for his attention to their families, stating, "President Trump has called. President Trump shows up."