Representative Waltz: Republican and Democratic Veterans Come Together to Clean Vietnam Memorial

Representative Michael Waltz of Florida shared with CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday how he initiated a tradition of gathering Congress members who are U.S. military veterans to assist in cleaning the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. before every Memorial Day.

Waltz, a decorated Green Beret officer with four Bronze Stars, recounted encountering a fellow Vietnam veteran years ago who expressed his intention to help the National Park Service in cleaning the Vietnam Memorial as a way to honor fallen combat soldiers.

The congressman proceeded to explain that upon his election and witnessing the division in Congress between Republicans and Democrats, he decided to bring together a group of veterans from both parties to clean the Vietnam Memorial collectively.

“I believe it is important for the American people to witness us honoring our predecessors, disregarding political affiliations, race, or ethnicity,” Waltz stated. “What matters is that we are all Americans, veterans, honoring those who came before us. This has now become somewhat of a tradition.”

Waltz is a member of the bipartisan For Country Caucus, which enables military veteran members of Congress to collaborate across party lines on legislation concerning national security, veterans affairs, and national service.

Reflecting on Memorial Day weekend, Waltz mentioned “Sgt. Matt Pucino, [who] was one of my Green Berets that we lost in Afghanistan. He volunteered to go on point every single mission, and eventually a trip-wire IED [improvised explosive device] killed him.”

“Every morning before I go to Capitol Hill, I remind myself to be worthy, to be deserving of that sacrifice,” Waltz expressed. “As leaders, as elected officials, our duty is to conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of their sacrifice in front of the American people.”