WASHINGTON, D.C. (Michigan News Source) – Memorial Day is set aside to remember the men and women who died defending America’s freedom, and U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Michigan) took time to honor their brave sacrifice.

Congressman Barrett, a 22-year U.S. Army veteran, helped clean the wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This year’s fourth annual wall cleaning brought together more than 20 veteran lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle. The monument contains the names of the more than 58,000 Americans whose names and sacrifices are etched into the country’s history.

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“Whether they gave their life defending our freedom in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere, we honor the sacrifice of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and remember the true cost of freedom,” Rep. Barrett said. “Let us never forget that the liberties we enjoy every day were paid for by brave Americans who gave everything for our nation.”

U.S. Congressman Tom Barrett (R-Michigan) at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in May 2026.

In addition, Barrett said the week leading up to Memorial Day marked a banner week for veterans with the passage of three bills:

• The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act: the first major expansion of benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans and surviving spouses in more than 30 years.

• The Home Affordability for Guard and Reserve Act: expands VA home loan eligibility for more Guard members and reservists.

• The Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act: streamlines VA and community care scheduling to reduce wait times and improve access to care.