WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of Memorial Day, a handful of congressional members, who are also veterans, spent time cleaning the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall ahead of Memorial Day.
Representative Jack Bergman (R- MI), who was a Lt. General in the Marine Corps and flew CH-46 helicopters in Vietnam, is one of only three Vietnam veterans serving in Congress. He’s taken part in this ceremony for the past few years.
“For me, it’s probably the most solemn ceremony that affects me personally because this is my generation on this wall,” said Rep. Bergman. “I have friends, I have squadron mates, all those things that make something extremely personal.”
There’s one name on the wall he points out: Barry Mott. Mott was a childhood friend.
“He stepped on a landmine within 30 days of coming home,” said Rep. Bergman.
Bergman stands with his eyes closed, silently reflecting on the friends he lost in the war.
“Every name on that wall has a story behind it,” said Rep. Bergman. “And as I wash the wall, I want to make sure I do my part to clean every speck of dust dirt and grime so this wall will glow with gratitude for the men and women whose names are on it.”
As the water washes over the names, Bergman shares this message for Memorial Day:
“The only reason why our country exists is because of the sacrifice to do what was right and defending our freedoms,” said Rep. Bergman. “First of all, creating it 250 years ago but defending it ever since because as much as we would like to think the world is a good and wonderful and friendly place historically that has not been true. I want people to remember and look back on the sacrifices people made but also forward to the next generations and what sacrifices may be made.”
