On one of the darkest days in our Nation’s history, four years ago, an unspeakable tragedy unfolded when an evil Jihadi terrorist executed a suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan. This heinous attack claimed the lives of 13 heroes from our United States Armed Forces and left a profound sorrow in the hearts of Americans and our allies. As we commemorate this atrocious event, we pay tribute to every courageous warrior who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
We stand in solidarity with the families who senselessly lost their loved ones, renewing our solemn pledge to our 13 fallen patriots: we will never forget you; we will never forsake you; and your memory will endure forever.
On July 2, 2021, as the Taliban was escalating a civil war in Afghanistan, President Joe Biden initiated a disastrous withdrawal from Bagram Airfield under the cover of night, neglecting to inform Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. This reckless political maneuver, aimed at claiming victory on the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001, left our service members without a defensible base of operations. Consequently, the Taliban was able to release thousands of dangerous terrorists and criminals previously held at Bagram prison.
At precisely 5:36 PM on August 26, 2021, a barbaric ISIS-K terrorist — one of the prisoners freed by the Taliban just weeks earlier — detonated a suicide bomb at a civilian gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. This attack, the deadliest day for United States forces in a decade, resulted in the deaths of 13 brave American service members, 45 wounded soldiers, and over 160 injured civilians.
In what will be etched in our collective memory as one of the most disgraceful moments, President Biden was seen checking his watch as the bodies of our fallen heroes — a Sailor, a Soldier, and 11 Marines — returned home in flag-draped coffins, solemnly escorted by their brothers and sisters in arms.
We will forever honor the names of the 13 valiant souls who shed their blood for our Nation: Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover, USMC; Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, USMC; Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, USMC; Corporal Hunter Lopez, USMC; Corporal Daegan W. Page, USMC; Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, USMC; Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, USMC; Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, USMC; Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, USMC; Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, USMC; Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, USMC; Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak, USN; and Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, USA.
As your Commander in Chief, I vow to ensure that our military service members are never betrayed, our allies are never abandoned, and our credibility is never compromised. To the families who tragically lost a son, daughter, brother, sister, husband, wife, or family member at Abbey Gate in 2021, we extend our enduring love and unwavering devotion. To those who suffered life-altering wounds, we offer our unending support and eternal gratitude for your sacrifices.
To all who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and beyond, you should take immense pride in your commitment to our Nation and your dedication to preserving our freedoms. The events of that day marked an unimaginable loss of life and a significant embarrassment for American foreign policy.
In the aftermath of the attack, countless Americans and Afghan allies were left behind Taliban lines, and 10 innocent civilians, including children, were killed in a misguided counterstrike ordered by President Biden. Furthermore, $85 billion worth of United States military equipment was surrendered to the enemy, and two decades of American blood and treasure were squandered. The incompetence that led to the tragedy at Abbey Gate remains a poignant reminder of the moment our credibility was severely damaged.
On day one of my Administration, we committed to seeking justice for the families of the Abbey Gate 13 by pursuing a foreign policy grounded in the principle of peace through strength. Just 43 days into my second term, during my Joint Address to Congress on March 4, 2025, I announced that we had apprehended the ISIS Jihadi responsible for the atrocity at the Kabul airport. This individual was being brought to the United States to face the swift hand of American justice.
When America stands strong, the world remains safe, conflicts are minimized, and the lives of our service members are cherished and protected. As we solemnly mark four years since the attack at Abbey Gate, we honor the memory of the 13 brave souls and every military service member who has ever died in the line of duty. We renew our commitment to protect American lives, defend our interests, and uphold our sovereignty.
Therefore, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2025, as a day to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the attack at Abbey Gate. I encourage all Americans to remember the heroism of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the Gold Star Families who continue their proud legacy.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
