Army Staff Sargent Ryan C. Knauss's life was taken on the day of August 26th, 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan while participating in evacuation efforts of American Citizens, Allies, and Afgan refugees. These people were seeking safety from the terrorist government of Afghanistan under Taliban leadership. 

Staff Sgt. Knauss died from a suicide bombing along with 11 Marines, a Navy Corpsman, and 170+ Afghan refugees.

This petition is to erect a memorial in the Knoxville area in honor of the sacrifice of these men and women, in particular that of Staff Sgt. Knauss.

Knauss, who is from the Knoxville Tennessee area, was a graduate from Gibbs High School. It is documented that he looked up to those who sacrificed their lives for the greater good of society and in the protection of this great Country and what we stand for. He called them "Heroes." 

This memorial being in Knoxville would enstill a greater sense of pride for all who belong to the "Volunteer State." Enriching our history and reaffirming our patriotic spirit as Tennesseeans by always going above and beyond the call of duty for our Country. The same patriotic spirit Ryan apetimized. 

This memorial would be to Honor and remember the sacrifices of all service members, not only Ryan, who have gave their lives for this United States of America.

This memorial will also provide an example of a true American patriot that we all should all strive to imulate. It will also provide motivation for those who look upon it and strive to be a part of something greater than themselves. 

It will be a symbol of American values, to show everyone that men and women are willing to give their lives, sacrificing themselves for the liberties and freedom's we all have afforded to us at birth. The same freedoms, human rights, and liberties that so many have dreamed of having in countries like Afghanistan. The same freedom's those refugees sought for themselves while fleaing an oppressive government. The freedom's many take for granted.

The freedom's Ryan Knauss believed in, fought for, and died for. 

John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

During these devisive times we live in, we look to people such as Ryan and realize we are all one nation, under God, and indivisible. We shall never forget these sacrifices. And we shall never forgive those who have sought, and do seek, to harm us.

Rest in peace to the 11 men and  2 women of the U.S. Armed Forces who died on that day at the hands of these cowardice terrorists. These men were protecting the innocent from those who seek to oppress, rape, torture, kill, enslave, traffic, and/or sell women, children, Americans, Christians, and/or non-believers. 

 

 

Those who paid the ultimate sacrifice that the debt of our freedom requires on that day of August 26th, 2021. Rest easy and may God provide your families comfort and peace. 

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Tex.

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee, 23, of Roseville, Calif.

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, 31, of Utah

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tenn.

Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, Calif.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20, Jackson, Wyo.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20, of Norco, Calif.

Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan William-Tyeler Page, 23, of Omaha

Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario, 25, Lawrence, Mass.

Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22, Logansport, Ind.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20, of Wentzville, Mo.

Navy Hospital Corpsman Max Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio