Trump Proclaims August 26 as Commemorative Day for Abbey Gate Victims

In a moment of long-overdue national recognition, President Donald J. Trump declared August 26, 2025, a Day of Remembrance to honor the 13 American heroes killed in the Abbey Gate bombing during Joe Biden’s chaotic and disgraceful withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Surrounded by Gold Star families in the White House, Trump issued a solemn proclamation that not only honored the memory of the fallen but also served as a stark reminder of the catastrophic failure of leadership that cost them their lives.

“We will never forget you; we will never forsake you; and your memory will live on forever,” Trump said, delivering his pledge to the 13 service members who paid the ultimate price.

On August 26, 2021, a suicide bomber at Kabul’s Abbey Gate unleashed hell, killing 13 U.S. troops 11 Marines, a Navy corpsman, and an Army soldier along with more than 170 Afghan civilians. These men and women were performing the most honorable task imaginable: evacuating innocent civilians from the chaos Biden’s administration helped unleash.

Trump’s proclamation read in part:

“As our Nation remembers this atrocious attack, we honor the memory of every brave warrior who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country... We renew our solemn pledge to our 13 fallen patriots we will never forget you.”

He went on to name each of the fallen not as statistics, but as heroes:

• Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, USMC

• Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, USMC

• Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, USMC

• Cpl. Hunter Lopez, USMC

• Cpl. Daegan W. Page, USMC

• Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, USMC

• LCpl. David L. Espinoza, USMC

• LCpl. Jared M. Schmitz, USMC

• LCpl. Rylee J. McCollum, USMC

• LCpl. Dylan R. Merola, USMC

• LCpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, USMC

• PO3 Maxton W. Soviak, USN

• Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, USA

Trump did not shy away from drawing the contrast between true American valor and the shameful display by President Joe Biden, who was infamously caught checking his watch during the dignified transfer ceremony of the fallen at Dover Air Force Base.

“In what will be remembered as one of the most shameful and heartbreaking moments in our Nation’s collective memory,” the proclamation said, “Joe Biden checked his watch and time stood still.”

Where Biden offered excuses and silence, Trump has now offered recognition, reverence, and resolve.

Joining Trump in the Oval Office was Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who pledged to uncover the full truth behind what happened in the final days leading up to the attack.

“We owe these families answers. And we owe their loved ones justice,” Hegseth said.

The administration’s vow to get to the bottom of the tragedy stands in stark contrast to Biden’s disgraceful White House silence and dodged accountability over the past four years.

By proclaiming August 26 as a national day of remembrance, President Trump has done more than offer a gesture he’s restored dignity, honor, and the American promise that we never forget those who gave all.

While the Left clings to broken talking points and tries to memory-hole the disaster in Kabul, the rest of the country now has a day to stand united in sorrow, in pride, and in determination to make sure this kind of betrayal never happens again.

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