Bipartisan, Bicameral Members of Congress Wear Green Ribbons as Part of New Grassroots Effort to "Honor Our Commitment" to At-Risk Allies Still in Afghanistan

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of Members of Congress posted photos and videos on their social media platforms wearing green ribbons as part of a new grassroots initiative to “Honor Our Commitment” to evacuate Americans, lawful permanent residents, and at-risk Afghan allies to safety. Thousands of Afghan nationals who served alongside U.S. military personnel or for American non-profits, media companies, or aid organizations in Afghanistan remain in the country where they are being targeted and hunted by the Afghan Taliban due to their work on behalf of the U.S. mission. The Members urged public support for expanded efforts to evacuate and resettle at-risk Afghan allies who face significant, imminent risk if they remain in Afghanistan.

“I am proud to join this grassroots effort to honor our commitment to at-risk Afghan allies who put their lives on the line to protect our troops and diplomats and to serve the United States,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). “Over the last few months, I have been inspired to collaborate with an incredible coalition of veterans, NGOs, and committed citizens who are working to evacuate these at-risk Afghan allies to safety. I am honored to wear a green ribbon as a symbol of my promise to continue this work until it is done. Our abandoning this mission would forever stain our nation’s honor.”

“As we go into the holiday season, it is imperative that America remember who was left behind in Afghanistan and redouble our efforts to honor our commitments to bring those in harm’s way to safety,” said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). “To the Afghans who helped us, we have an obligation to ensure your safety. To family members of American citizens and others with legal status still in Afghanistan, we have a duty as a nation to not leave you behind. The green ribbon will be a visible symbol that America has not forgotten and we will keep our word. I appreciate the bipartisan nature of this effort and hope that America will embrace the green ribbon.”

“While the tragic exit from Afghanistan may have moved off of the front pages, and while it may no longer be top-of-mind for many Americans here at home, the devastating situation in Afghanistan is all too real for the hundreds of American citizens and allies who we left behind,” said U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). “As a way to raise awareness for our fellow Americans and allies who are still stranded, and who we need to get home or brought to safety, I am encouraging Iowans and all Americans to join me, and Senators Graham and Blumenthal, in wearing a Green Ribbon this holiday season.”

“We will never forget the tremendous debt of gratitude we owe to the Americans and Afghan partners who helped the U.S. mission in Afghanistan over the last 20 years,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I will continue doing all I can to help eligible Afghans seeking to evacuate.”

“While we may disagree how and why we got here, the fact remains that America’s mission in Afghanistan continues,” said U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02). “We cannot rest until every American citizen, every lawful permanent resident, and every Afghan who risked their life to work with us is brought out of Afghanistan. The spirit of America is only as strong as the actions that back it up, especially when the mission is hard. We cannot rest until every single one of our citizens, residents, and allies are safe.”

“I may not be here today were it not for the courage of the Afghan men and women who served as interpreters, drivers, and guides on the frontlines with me in Afghanistan. They performed this service at great risk to themselves and their families, but with the understanding that the U.S. would stand by them,” said U.S. Representative Jason Crow (D-CO-06). It’s not only a question of national security, but of moral obligation for the United States to honor that commitment to our Afghan friends and allies. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in the House and Senate, and with the American people as we continue our effort to evacuate our partners to safety.”

“Right now, tens of thousands of our allies are still stranded in Afghanistan, in danger of being killed at the hands of the Taliban,” said U.S. Representative Seth Moulton (R-MA-06). “Sadly, many have already met this fate, but by acting quickly, we can keep our solemn promise to those who remain. Today, I stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and with Americans everywhere in reaffirming our commitment to these brave Afghan heroes.”

The HonorOurCommitment.org initiative was created and is spearheaded by Connecticut constituent Sidney E. Goodfriend, the founder of a national veterans mentoring non-profit, American Corporate Partners. This holiday season, “Honor Our Commitment” will ask Americans nationwide to display or wear green ribbons in support of those in Afghanistan and to continue the display until those in danger are safely out of that country.

“We all know the critical importance that these Afghans played in maintaining the safety of our service members during the past 20 years,” said Goodfriend. “With the war over, we need to be vigilant and help them settle safely. This isn’t a red issue or a blue issue, it’s an American obligation and we’re asking Americans nationwide to help. Display a Green Ribbon. Let’s not forget these people as we enter the cold winter months.”

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