One year ago, a detachment of brave American servicemembers were guarding the gates of the Hamid Karzai International Airport while hundreds of Americans and allies evacuated from Kabul as the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. These soldiers valiantly stayed at their posts and held the line despite the chaotic scene and threats of terrorist activity in the area where they were posted. Tragically, thirteen of these American heroes lost their lives when a terrorist attack ultimately occurred.

On the anniversary of the death of Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover; Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario; Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee; Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez; Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page; Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui; Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak; and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida from sunrise until sunset tomorrow, Saturday, August 27, 2022.