One year since the end of the Afghan War

“Today, we mark one year since the end of the U.S. war in Afghanistan, and I, like so many of you, have been reflecting on the sacrifice that American Service Members, Veterans, their families, and so many others made during America’s longest war.,” said Lloyd Austin, the Defense Secretary.}

“I first want to express my profound gratitude to all who served in Afghanistan, including everyone on our Department of Defense team.  Every American who contributed to our efforts shared a deep devotion to keeping our country safe, working toward a brighter future for the Afghan people, and standing up for liberty, democracy, and the rule of law.  As a veteran of the war, I witnessed firsthand the bravery, selflessness, and compassion that our men and women brought to the fight.  Your efforts make me proud to be your colleague – and even prouder to be an American.”

Two decades of exemplary service demanded an enormous and selfless sacrifice. Many Service personnel still carry the wounds of war to their bodies and souls while 2,461 brave heroes never returned home. To our Gold Star families: Your loved ones are always in our thoughts and we promise to keep them safe.

The United States went to Afghanistan in 2001 to fight a necessary war of self-defense. On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda terrorists attacked our nation. Because their Taliban hosts had offered them safe haven in Afghanistan which they had access to, they were able prepare and execute this devastating attack. Since 2001, no adversary has been able to launch such an attack against our country. This is a testament to the efforts of the entire U.S government to protect our citizens from terrorist threats from Afghanistan and anywhere else around the world.

We are aware that this mission isn’t done. We must keep a relentless focus on counterterrorism . And we are. Ayman al-Zawahiri was the head of al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden’s deputy at the time of the 9/11 attacks. The United States brought justice to him just a few weeks back. And in recent months, our military has successfully carried out operations against the most powerful ISIS leaders. We recognize that stopping terrorist violence requires more than military might. We’re committed to supporting a whole-of-government effort to address the primary factors that fuel violent extremism. There’s no reason to doubt America’s commitment to keeping our people safe.

I believe that there is no better evidence to the strength and tenacity of a country’s democracy, than the fact that millions of people choose to defend it every day. The people who are willing to serve in uniform or as part of our civilian workforce do so for the values we fight for such as the rule of law, human dignity, and freedom.

In the last days of the war, the United States and its allies performed the largest evacuation of civilians in the air that brought more than 124,000 people from danger. I am extremely proud of the way our military communities, as well as Americans from all walks, have welcomed our Afghan allies as we begin new lives in this country.

And our values continue to guide the important work that American patriots do around the world. The United States is rushing urgently needed assistance to Ukraine in the face of Russia’s reckless and unprovoked invasion. We are fully committed to assisting the people of Ukraine and to defending the international order based on rules against all autocrats and aggressors.

As our nation is looking back at two decades of war in Afghanistan I am aware that many people are facing difficult questions about the price of the war and what their sacrifices meant. These are important discussions, and I hope that we continue to engage in them with consideration and respect.

“Last year, I said that although the Afghanistan war has ended, our gratitude to those who served never will.  Today, I renew that pledge.  To every man and woman who served in Afghanistan: This country will never forget what you did and what you gave.”