Former Marines Receive Upgraded Valor Awards for 2021 Abbey Gate Actions

Why it matters locally: While a national story, the ceremony for the valor awards was held at the Pentagon, located just outside District of Columbia, making it a locally accessible event for residents and a subject of local news coverage due to its proximity.

WASHINGTON – Three retired Marines received upgraded awards for valor during a ceremony at the Pentagon. An official presented the awards to the individuals for their actions immediately following a suicide bomber attack. The incident occurred on August 26, 2021, at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan. The attack resulted in the deaths of 13 service members. Approximately 170 Afghan civilians also died in the incident. The upgrades acknowledge the individuals' responses after the explosion. Officials conducted the ceremony at the Pentagon.