Tue Sep 10 16:55:26 UTC 2024: ## Pentagon to Hold Briefing as Congress Awards Gold Medal to Fallen Afghan Evacuation Troops
**WASHINGTON, D.C.** – The Pentagon will hold a press briefing on Tuesday, led by press secretary Pat Ryder, to discuss the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to 13 U.S. service members who died during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.
The Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress, will be presented in recognition of the sacrifice made by these brave soldiers during the evacuation effort. The ceremony will take place shortly after the briefing.
The 13 service members were killed in a suicide bombing outside Kabul airport on August 26, 2021, as they assisted in the evacuation of American citizens and Afghan allies. The attack marked a tragic end to the 20-year U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, and the award serves as a solemn tribute to their bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
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