KUWAIT: The US Embassy in Kuwait, in partnership with the American Business Council – Kuwait (ABCK), marked Memorial Day on Monday, with an evening that honored the sacrifices of US service members and celebrated the enduring US-Kuwait partnership. In her remarks, the US Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara paid tribute to American service members who gave their lives in defense of freedom, while also reaffirming the enduring strength of the US-Kuwait alliance.

“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 stated. The remarks highlighted the shared history between the US and Kuwait, particularly during the 1990 Gulf War when both nations’ forces fought side by side to liberate Kuwait. The ambassador described this moment as the foundation of a partnership that continues to thrive through military cooperation, economic investment, and cultural exchange.

Reaffirming America’s commitment to a stable and secure Gulf, Sasahara praised Kuwait’s leadership in hosting US forces, investing in American innovation and fostering educational and humanitarian collaboration. “Our remembrance must guide action,” she said, urging deeper cooperation in missile defense, expanded bilateral trade and continued youth exchanges to preserve the legacy of freedom.

Gunnery Sergeant Victor Buendia posted the colors to open the ceremony. US Air Force Colonel Matthew Johnson then offered brief remarks, reflecting on Memorial Day’s significance and reaffirming the two nations’ shared commitment to regional security and peace.

The program featured a screening of an Iraq War documentary that presented first-hand accounts from US, coalition and Kuwaiti figures, underscoring three decades of close cooperation and the sacrifices made by service members stationed in Kuwait and the wider region.

Senior Kuwaiti officials, Chief of Mission personnel and members of the ABCK Founder’s Club attended the reception, reaffirming the broad scope of US-Kuwait ties, including defense, education, commercial, trade and cultural collaboration.