BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
At 5:36 p.m. on August 26, 2021, an ISIS-K terrorist infiltrated the crowd at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, and detonated an explosive vest. This individual was among the thousands released by the Taliban two months prior. The attack resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members, with 45 others wounded, and over 160 civilians injured.
As a nation, we have a solemn obligation to honor the men and women in uniform who sacrificed their lives that day. We must remember the loss suffered by their families and ensure their names are never forgotten: Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, USA; 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; and Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak, USN.
On this fifth anniversary of the Abbey Gate attack, we pay tribute to their bravery and selflessness.
For two decades, the courageous members of the United States Armed Forces fought tirelessly across Afghanistan’s landscapes to combat terrorism and dismantle the Taliban’s hold on power. However, within months, President Biden’s actions saw these efforts undone, prioritizing politics over strategy and hastily executing a withdrawal that led to one of our nation’s most significant military setbacks.
On July 2, 2021, President Biden withdrew U.S. forces from Bagram Airfield under the cover of night without notifying the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. This move resulted in the abandonment of our largest military base, the loss of billions in military equipment, and left our remaining troops vulnerable as the Taliban advanced. The Taliban quickly captured Bagram, released thousands from its prisons, and soon Kabul fell, forcing a chaotic evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport amid the collapse brought on by the previous administration’s missteps.
As Commander in Chief, I am committed to prioritizing America’s interests and safeguarding our nation. I took pride in capturing the ISIS-K terrorist responsible for this atrocity and ensuring justice was served. I stand resolutely with our service members, support military families, and vow that the mistakes leading to Abbey Gate will not be repeated. On this solemn anniversary, we reaffirm our pledge to the 13 fallen heroes and their families, ensuring their names remain etched in our memory and their sacrifices honored.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, hereby proclaim August 26, 2026, as a day to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Abbey Gate attack. I urge all Americans to remember the heroism of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and the Gold Star Families who uphold their legacy with pride.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand this twenty-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.
DONALD J. TRUMP
