Aug 28, 2026
KANSAS CITY — On Aug. 30, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will pause to honor and remember the conclusion of the Afghanistan War, and the service and sacrifice of all who carried out the missions defending our nation. Five years ago, the United States ended its military presence in Afghanistan, officially ending America’s longest war. For the generations of veterans who answered the call to serve there, the end of the mission in Afghanistan remains difficult to process as it carries memories of sacrifice, loss, perseverance and the bonds forged in service.
More than 800,000 Americans served in Afghanistan over nearly 20 years, often facing dangerous and uncertain conditions during multiple deployments. More than 2,400 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, while countless others returned home bearing the physical and invisible wounds that continue to shape their lives. The circumstances surrounding the final withdrawal from Afghanistan remain difficult for many veterans and their families. The images from those final days, and the loss of 13 American service members at Abbey Gate, will never be forgotten. Questions about the decisions that led to the end of the war deserve thoughtful consideration, and the lessons learned from nearly two decades of conflict must continue to influence how our nation prepares for and conducts future military operations.
But today, as we remember the end of the Afghanistan War, we must not allow the way the war ended to overshadow the service of those who fought it. Our veterans did what generations of American service members have always done: They answered their nation's call. They deployed when asked, served alongside their brothers- and sisters-in-arms and accomplished their missions under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
On behalf of the nearly 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, we will continue to stand with every veteran of the Afghanistan War, not only on this anniversary, but every day. You demonstrated courage, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to our country, and we commend your selfless service.