Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation she helped introduce to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. servicemembers killed in Afghanistan in August, including Lawrence native and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo:

“Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo is a hero to her family, her friends, her community, and her country. Not a day goes by that her absence isn’t felt by those who had the honor of knowing her and many more who didn’t but remain deeply grateful for the sacrifices she made.”

“The awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award that Congress can bestow, is the least we can do to honor all Sergeant Rosario Pichardo did to save the lives of countless Americans and Afghan allies. It will serve as a reminder of the life of service she lived and the obligation each of us shares to carry on her legacy each day.”

“I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who were instrumental in passing this legislation and to President Biden for signing it into law. Sergeant Rosario Pichardo’s sacrifice will never – and must never – be forgotten.”

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