U.S. Embassy and ABCK commemorate Memorial Day with majestic tribute to sacrifice, friendship

THE TIMES KUWAIT REPORT

In a deeply moving and ceremonious observance, the United States Embassy in Kuwait, in collaboration with the American Business Council – Kuwait (ABCK), commemorated the Memorial Day last Monday evening with profound reverence and patriotic pride.

The event stood as a luminous testament to the ultimate sacrifices of American service members and the unshakable bond between the United States and the State of Kuwait.

In her heartfelt address, U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait H.W. Karen Sasahara paid a stirring tribute to the fallen heroes of the U.S. Armed Forces who paid the highest price in the defense of liberty and justice. “Our first duty is to remember their sacrifice, and our second is to live up to it — by keeping our country secure, strong, and worthy of their trust,” she proclaimed with solemn conviction.

Her remarks invoked the historic camaraderie between the two nations, particularly their joint stand during the vital 1990 Gulf War, when American and Kuwaiti forces fought shoulder to shoulder to liberate Kuwait from occupation.

This defining moment, the Ambassador underscored, became the bedrock of a strategic alliance that continues to flourish through robust military cooperation, dynamic economic investment, and vibrant cultural exchange.

Ambassador Sasahara emphasized America’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the Gulf, expressing admiration for Kuwait’s steadfast leadership in hosting U.S. forces, fostering innovation, and championing educational and humanitarian collaboration.

She called upon both nations to let remembrance inspire action — urging stronger missile defense cooperation, expanded bilateral trade, and enriched youth exchanges to carry forward the torch of freedom.

The evening began with Gunnery Sergeant Victor Buendia ceremoniously posting the colors, followed by Colonel Matthew Johnson of the U.S. Air Force, who offered poignant reflections on the enduring meaning of Memorial Day. His words echoed the shared resolve of both nations to uphold regional peace and collective security.

The highlight of the program was the screening of a powerful Iraq War documentary, offering firsthand narratives from American, coalition, and Kuwaiti perspectives. The film paid tribute to decades of shared sacrifice, mutual support, and unwavering brotherhood, especially among the service members stationed in Kuwait and throughout the broader region.

The reception was graced by the presence of senior Kuwaiti dignitaries, U.S. Chief of Mission officials, and members of the prestigious ABCK Founder’s Club — a reflection of the broad and enduring tapestry of U.S.-Kuwait relations that encompasses defense, commerce, education, and culture.

This commemorative evening in Kuwait was not only a reflection of remembrance but also a powerful reaffirmation of a strategic and heartfelt alliance — a pledge that the sacrifices of the past shall forever illuminate the path toward a more peaceful, united, and free future.

Simultaneously, a delegation from the Kuwaiti Embassy in Washington took part in U.S. national commemorations, attending a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, where former President Donald Trump paid homage to America’s fallen heroes. “Their sacrifices were made not just for the past, but for today and tomorrow,” he said, saluting their valor in moments of grave peril.

Memorial Day, observed annually on the last Monday of May, is the most sacred military holiday in the United States. The tradition dates back to May 30, 1868, when graves of fallen soldiers were adorned with flowers in what was originally known as Decoration Day.

Thousands gathered at Arlington Cemetery, and parades marched through Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., attended by top military leaders, political figures, and international delegations — including representatives from Kuwait.