Congressmen Wash Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Honoring 58,000 Fallen Soldiers

This Memorial Day, a solemn yet powerful tradition unfolded at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Lawmakers, still in their suits from an overnight voting session, gathered in the early morning rain to perform the annual ritual of washing the wall. Among them was Congressman Jack Bergman, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant General and one of only three Vietnam veterans serving in Congress. The event, captured on video, showcases the quiet dignity of remembrance. "I'm thinking that I am touching every person whose name my brush passes," Bergman reflected, his voice thick with emotion. He spoke of two friends from his youth, Barry Mott, a Marine corporal killed in Vietnam, and Joel Sandberg, a naval aviator who died in a plane crash. "Barry and I grew up together as little boys," Bergman recalled, underscoring the personal connection to the fallen. The annual cleaning of the wall is more than just maintenance; it's a poignant act of remembrance, a way for those who served to honor those who didn't return. Bergman's words, filled with both sorrow and gratitude, encapsulate the spirit of Memorial Day: remembering the sacrifices made for the freedom of the nation. This moving tribute serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of war and the importance of honoring those who served.