In Washington, D.C., U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) has reintroduced the 13 Folds of Honor Act. This legislative action comes in remembrance of Memorial Day and honors the 13 U.S. servicemembers who died during a terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport.
Díaz-Balart explained that “the traditional 13 folds symbolize our nation’s unity and deep respect for those who served.” The new legislation aims to enhance burial flag-folding ceremonies with a script that acknowledges the significance of these ceremonies while paying tribute to the servicemembers who lost their lives during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“While no words can ease the pain of the families who lost their loved ones, the 13 Folds of Honor script symbolizes our profound gratitude and unwavering respect for their service,” said Congressman Díaz-Balart. He expressed appreciation for Former Commander Dr. J.B. Holmes of Golden Gate VFW Post 7721, as well as endorsements from the Korean War Veterans Association and Del Webb Veterans Club of Naples.
The bill is supported by original cosponsors including Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), John Rutherford (R-FL-5), Tim Burchett (R-TN-2), Gregory W. Steube (R-FL-17), Harriet Hageman (R-WY-At Large), Mark Amodei (R-NV-2), Richard McCormick (R-GA-7), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-2), David G. Valadao (R-CA-22), Gregory F. Murphy (R-NC-3), Robert F. Onder (R-MO-3), Carlos A. Giménez (R-FL-28), and Jim Baird (D-IN).
