Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) led the introduction of a joint resolution, S.J.Res.79, to honor the lives of the 13 brave U.S. service members lost to the bombing at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. This joint resolution will establish a National Day of Remembrance to officially recognize the victims and their faithful service to the United States.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and the 13 servicemembers we lost at Abbey Gate. Four years later, not one person has been held accountable for the Biden administration’s reckless decision-making that cost American lives. Our resolution will ensure no one forgets the 13 heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice as we continue to push for answers,” said Senator Mullin. “We owe it to the Americans the Biden-Harris administration left behind and those who needlessly lost their lives to provide accountability, so a disaster of this magnitude never happens again.”
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Boozman (R-AR), Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Todd Young (R-IN) joined Mullin in cosponsoring this legislation.
“August 26 will always be a somber date in our nation’s history, marking the day when 13 American heroes lost their lives at Abbey Gate. We will never forget their service or sacrifice,” said Senator Cotton.
“The Biden admin’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal will forever be a stain on our nation. We will never forget the fallen 13 and all those wounded in the tragedy at Abbey Gate,” said Senator Cornyn.
“It is our solemn duty to honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation at Abbey Gate. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor a resolution establishing a National Day of Remembrance. As we remember their sacrifice, we also pay tribute to the Gold Star Families who have faced unimaginable grief. We will never forget their loved ones’ bravery, nor the cost of our freedom,” said Senator Moody.
“The 13 U.S. servicemembers and civilians whose lives were needlessly taken from them four years ago deserve to be remembered in history books for years to come. President Trump has gone above and beyond to honor the families of each of these fallen servicemembers, and it is now time for Congress to do the same. I am thankful for their sacrifice and honored to be a part of an important effort to ensure their heroic actions are never forgotten,” said Senator Tuberville.
“Due to senseless policy decisions made by the Biden administration, 13 heroic servicemembers were tragically killed at Abbey Gate during America’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. While the pain felt by their loved ones will never fade, there is no better way to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of those lost that fateful day than by establishing a National Day of Remembrance,” said Senator Budd.
U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) introduced the House companion, H.J. RES 116, on August 26, 2025.
“Four years ago, 13 service members lost their lives at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan. These men and women embodied the values of America: Bravery, Selflessness, Dedication, and Service. As a Marine, I know the sacred responsibility we carry to honor the memory of the fallen, not just in words, but in action,” said Congressman Miller. “I introduced a resolution to designate August 26 the official National Day of Remembrance for the victims of the bombing at Abbey Gate. A grateful nation must never forget their sacrifice.”
Background:
Full text of S.J.Res.79 can be found here.
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