AFSA NEWS 60 JULY-AUGUST 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA Hosts 51st Annual Memorial Plaque Ceremony AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi presided over the ceremony and offered moving remarks reflecting on the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice of the 321 colleagues whose names are etched in the marble panels. “Each name represents a story of commitment, bravery, and sacrifice,” Yazdgerdi said. “Today we pause to honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation—men and women On Foreign Service Day, May 2, AFSA held its 51st annual Memorial Plaque Ceremony in the C Street lobby of the Department of State, honoring members of the Foreign Service who lost their lives while serving their country overseas. Since the unveiling of the original plaques in 1933, AFSA has served as steward of this solemn tradition. Thankfully, no new names were added to the memorial plaques this year. The U.S. Armed Services Color Guard presents the colors in tribute to fallen members of the Foreign Service. AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau bow their heads during the wreath-laying ceremony. Staff of U.S. Embassy Beirut join the Rolling Moment of Silence. AFSA/JOAQUIN SOSA AFSA/JOAQUIN SOSA U.S. EMBASSY BEIRUT who upheld their oath to the Constitution and helped shape America’s role in the world through quiet courage and daily sacrifice.” Yazdgerdi also recognized the inclusion of the USAID memorial wall in this year’s ceremony, calling for its permanent placement in a location of honor within the State Department. “We honor our USAID colleagues whose names are etched here—over 100 individuals who gave their lives advancing America’s mission abroad,” he said. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, speaking on behalf of the Secretary, reflected on his personal ties to the Foreign Service, recalling childhood visits to the building when his father served as country director for Spain and Portugal. Landau paid special tribute to three fallen USAID colleagues whose names will soon be added to the USAID memorial wall. Michael Dempsey (died 2013), a senior field program officer, was 33 years old and is survived by his parents and sister. Jacob Toukhy (died 2024), age 50, served as a democracy and governance officer in the West Bank/Gaza mission and had been with USAID for 24 years; he is survived by his mother, two daughters, and many family members. Edward Winant (died 2022),
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