SJRES 79119th CongressIn Committee

A joint resolution honoring the sacrifice of Marine Corps Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Darin Taylor Hoover, Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Christian Knauss, Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, Marine Corps Corporal Daegan W. Page, Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosario, Marine Corps Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, and Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak.

Introduced: Sep 17, 2025

Sponsor: Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK] (R-Oklahoma)

Defense & National SecurityVeterans Affairs

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This joint resolution establishes a National Day of Remembrance to honor 13 U.S. servicemembers who were killed in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate, Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021. The resolution recognizes their sacrifice during the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, acknowledges their role in saving thousands of lives during the evacuation, and expresses the nation's gratitude to their Gold Star Families (families who have lost a loved one in military service). The resolution affirms that their sacrifice was not in vain and commits to remembering their service to the nation.

Key Points

1Establishes August 26 as a National Day of Remembrance for the 13 servicemembers killed at Abbey Gate
2Honors 11 Marines, 1 Army soldier, and 1 Navy sailor who died in the terrorist attack during the Afghanistan withdrawal
3Recognizes that these servicemembers helped save thousands of Afghan civilians and others during the evacuation operations
4Expresses official condolences and gratitude to the Gold Star Families of the fallen servicemembers
5Affirms that their sacrifice in the cause of liberty will not be forgotten by the nation

Impact Areas

Gold Star Families: Provides official recognition and remembrance for families who lost loved ones in the Abbey Gate attackMilitary community: Honors fallen servicemembers and acknowledges their sacrifice during a controversial military operationNational commemoration: Creates an annual day of remembrance for a significant event in recent U.S. military historyAfghanistan withdrawal legacy: Formally recognizes the human cost of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan

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