By Amanda Crastz-Flores
September 13, 2024
On September 10, 2024, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, along with other members of Congress, gathered at the United States Capitol Rotunda to posthumously present the Heroes of Kabul Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 service members who perished in Abbey Gate in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, during the evacuation of American citizens and Afghan allies at the Hamid Karzai International Airport. After nearly 20 years in conflict, the U.S. War in Afghanistan ended on August 30, 2021. The lives of more than 2,000 American personnel, including the last 13 lives being honored through this medal, will be remembered forever.
To kick off the ceremony, the Unites States Capitol Police carried the Heroes of Kabul Congressional Gold Medal to the atrium, followed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who presided over the heartfelt ceremony. He also introduced and welcomed the families of the 13 service members, known as the Gold Star families, who joined him in front of the portraits of their fallen loved ones and American heroes in Kabul.
The bill that enacted this congressional gold medal was introduced by Congresswoman Lisa McClain from Michigan and was supported with more than 300 cosponsors.
Representative McClain described the 13 service members (11 Marines, one Navy corpsman, and one soldier), as “a beacon for democracy as they helped liberate the oppressed.” She added, “As we remember these extraordinary American heroes and recognize them with a congressional gold medal, I encourage everyone gathered here today, and those watching, to live a life worthy of their sacrifice.”
Following the congresswoman, U.S. Senator Steve Daines from Montana, who introduced the legislation in the Senate, told the Gold Star families and attendees: “It is impossible for me to understand the pain of your loss. I’ve never had to go through what you are going through. But I do know when pain runs so deep, words are often inadequate. With that in mind, I will speak to the rest of the audience here today: My fellow members of Congress, others who are guests and those who may be watching: It was their duty to serve. It is our duty to remember.”
As protocol dictates, but following their hearts, Senate Majority Leader Charles S. Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined the ceremony by providing some reflections for everyone in the nation.
At that time, under Lady Liberty in the Capitol Rotunda, Speaker Johnson proceeded to award the congressional gold medal to the Heroes of Kabul. Representative McClain, Senator Daines and the leaders of the House and the Senate joined him in the presentation. The presentation included duplicate medals for the Gold Star families of these 13 service members.
To conclude the ceremony, the mother of one of the fallen heroes of Kabul accepted the recognition on behalf of the families. “As Gold Star families, our grief never truly ends. It changes, it transforms, but remains with us always. A big part of us died with our children, on August 26th, 2021. I want everybody to know the ceremonies like this provide a small but meaningful breath of relief in our ongoing journey of grief, reminding us that we raised the best and brightest for this country.”
The Heroes of Kabul Congressional Gold Medal, authorized by Public Law 117-72, required the Mint to strike a single gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions. Different candidate designs were reviewed but the final medal design was approved by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with the Act that authorized it.
Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill designed and sculpted both sides of the medal. When asked about her work, she stated, “I hope that the medal can provide some healing for all the families of these service members.”
The obverse design depicts five service members in silhouette standing over a crowd of people waiting to board a C-17 aircraft with the mountains of Kabul in the background. There are 13 stars incused over their heads, representing the 13 service members who gave their lives while helping civilians evacuate from Afghanistan.
The reverse design features an American flag and the names of the fallen service members surrounded by a wreath.
Bronze duplicates of this medal are now available for sale in the Mint’s online catalog.
See more Inside the Mint articles.