House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. recently hosted a Gold Medal ceremony to honor the 13 U.S. service members who tragically lost their lives at Abbey Gate during the Afghanistan withdrawal. The ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., was a solemn and heartfelt tribute to the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.
During the ceremony, Johnson posthumously presented the Gold Medal, Congress’ highest honor, to the 13 fallen Americans who were killed during the ISIS-K suicide bombing at the Kabul Airport in August 2021. The fallen service members were Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak, and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss.
In his opening remarks, Johnson took a moment to acknowledge the fallen service members by name and offered a heartfelt apology to their families. He expressed deep regret for the loss of their loved ones and emphasized that the United States government should have done everything possible to protect the troops at Abbey Gate. Johnson’s words reflected a sense of responsibility and accountability for the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day.
The ceremony was particularly emotional as the families of the fallen service members were in attendance to witness the posthumous awarding of the Gold Medal. Coral Doolittle, the mother of Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, delivered a poignant message on behalf of the families, urging Americans to remember and honor the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. She emphasized the ongoing grief and pain that the families continue to endure, highlighting the profound impact of losing a child in service to their country.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed Johnson’s sentiments, emphasizing the valor and bravery displayed by the 13 fallen patriots. He reiterated the significance of the Gold Medal as a symbol of the nation’s gratitude and commitment to never forget the sacrifices made by these courageous individuals. Jeffries emphasized that the fallen service members represent the best of America and deserve to be honored and remembered for their selfless dedication to protecting freedom and democracy.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of all American service members who have served in Afghanistan, including the 2,400 killed and over 20,000 wounded during the course of the conflict. The 13 heroes honored at the ceremony exemplified the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines the American military, and their memory will forever inspire future generations to uphold the values of freedom and democracy.
Subheadings:
Honoring the Fallen Heroes
A Tribute to Bravery and Sacrifice
Remembering the Legacy of the 13 U.S. Service Members
As the ceremony concluded, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reflected on the significance of the upcoming anniversary of September 11th, a day that symbolizes the nation’s commitment to never forget the sacrifices made in defense of freedom. Schumer emphasized the importance of honoring the memory of the fallen service members and ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain. He called on all Americans to come together to uphold the values of liberty and democracy that the 13 heroes fought so bravely to defend.
The Gold Medal ceremony was a solemn and poignant tribute to the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives at Abbey Gate, a reminder of the profound impact of their sacrifice on the nation and the world. The families of the fallen service members were deeply moved by the outpouring of support and recognition from Congress, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to honoring and remembering the heroes who gave their lives in service to their country. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of these brave men and women, whose courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.