Remembering the sacrifices in Afghanistan 2001-2021

28 August 2026

August 28, 2026 marks five years since UK Armed Forces personnel finally left Afghanistan after 20 years of continuous deployment.

SSAFA remembers all who served, and we honour with particular gratitude those who did not return, those who were wounded in body or mind, and the families whose lives were changed forever by that service.

For many veterans and families, Afghanistan - whether through Op VERITAS, HERRICK, TORAL, or PITTING - is not simply a matter of history. It remains a deeply personal chapter: demanding, complex and, for some, profoundly painful. That is why this anniversary should be marked not only with remembrance, but also with reflection and respect.

Those who served in Afghanistan were asked to operate in exceptionally difficult circumstances, and they did so with courage, professionalism and resolve. Anniversaries such as this are about more than looking back. They are about recognising service, acknowledging sacrifice, and reaffirming our duty to those who live with the consequences long after the operation ends.

At SSAFA, we see that legacy each day. We see the quiet resilience of veterans. We see the strength of families who carried the burden of service during deployment and after homecoming. We see, too, the enduring bond that connects all who were part of that campaign.

August 2021 closed a significant chapter in recent British military history, but for many who served, and for those who loved them, its impact did not end there.

For some, the legacy of Afghanistan is one of pride in duty carried out under immense pressure. For others, it is marked by injury, bereavement or the long road of transition to civilian life.

Our message at SSAFA is clear: we remember that service, we honour that sacrifice, and we will continue to stand beside serving personnel, veterans and their families for as long as support is needed.