U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) has introduced a joint resolution, S.J.Res.79, aimed at establishing a National Day of Remembrance to honor the 13 U.S. service members who died in the bombing at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.
Senator Mullin stated, “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. 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.”
The legislation is cosponsored by several Republican senators including 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).
Senator Cotton commented, “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.”
Senator Cornyn said, “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.”
Senator Moody added, “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.”
Senator Tuberville remarked, “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.”
Senator Budd stated, “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.”
In addition to efforts in the Senate, Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) introduced H.J.RES 116 as companion legislation in the House on August 26, 2025.
Congressman Miller said: “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,” he continued,“I introduced a resolution to designate August 26th as official National Day of Remembrance for victims of bombing at Abbey Gate.A grateful nation must never forget their sacrifice.”
