Congress bestows highest award on 13 fallen U.S. service members

The Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor by Congress, was awarded to 13 American service members who died in a suicide bombing at Kabul's airport during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The ceremony, held under the U.S. Capitol rotunda, featured leaders from both the House and Senate, who promised the families that their loved ones would not be forgotten. House Speaker Mike Johnson apologized to the families, and the event showcased rare bipartisanship. The families, represented by Marine Corporal Humberto Sanchez's mother, urged Americans to remember the 13 heroes and their stories.

What is the highest honor awarded by Congress?

• Presidential Medal of Freedom

• Congressional Gold Medal

• Purple Heart

• Medal of Honor

Where did the suicide bombing occur that led to the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medals?

• Baghdad International Airport

• Kabul's International Airport

• Heathrow Airport

• JFK International Airport

Who offered an apology to the families of the fallen service members during the ceremony?

• The President

• The Vice President

• House Speaker Mike Johnson

• The Secretary of Defense

What was notable about the Congressional ceremony for the fallen service members?

• It was a private event

• It was attended by only one political party

• It was a rare show of bipartisanship

• It was held in a foreign country

What did Marine Corporal Humberto Sanchez's mother urge the American people to do?

• Remember and tell the stories of the 13 heroes

• Donate to military charities

• Forget the past

• Support the war efforts