Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth began Memorial Day weekend on Saturday by joining volunteers at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, helping clean statues and headstones in a hands-on tribute to the fallen. Alongside his children, Hegseth participated in the effort as a way to honor veterans and spark conversations about the war’s enduring legacy.
More than a symbolic gesture, Hegseth described the cleanup as an opportunity to educate younger generations about the Korean War, a conflict often referred to as “the Forgotten War” despite its lasting global consequences.
Hegseth’s nomination was opposed by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who said he does not possess the “judgment and character” to be Secretary of Defense.
Murkowski spent Saturday at the Haines Beerfest, an annual drinking event sponsored by the Southeast Alaska State Fair. It’s an event she has attended in the past.
Hegseth said his participation in the restoration of the memorial was also for his children’s character.
“It gave me a moment to remind the kids about the Korean War, what was it, why did it matter, what the strategic environment was, who were we fighting, how many people we lost, and why are we still there,” Hegseth said during the event. “All of those conversations that otherwise may not come up around a dinner table.”
Hegseth emphasized the importance of passing down the meaning of Memorial Day through personal engagement and reflection. “We have to very intentionally infuse it into the minds and hearts and souls of young kids so that they understand why it’s special — and want to pass it [along] as well,” he said.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Douglas A. Collins was also present at the event, lending support to the volunteer effort and joining in the tribute.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial, located on the National Mall, honors the service and sacrifice of the nearly 1.8 million Americans who served in the three-year conflict. The war resulted in the deaths of more than 36,574 US service members (18 of them women).
THE TRUE DEFINITION OF AN AMERICAN PATRIOT!
WHEREAS LISA SHOWS HER TRUE COLORS DRINKING BEER!
Murkowski couldn’t polish my Dad’s boots. Combat Medic, Korea War, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Sandy USAF Retired now passed 2 and a half years.
Then Dan Klindt, USA Pvt, died in Nam 2 weeks in country 1967, next door neighbor and surrogate big brother.
God bless our veterans
Lisa is a Democrat, she hates this country and its history.
Given headline, Pete made right choice. He doesn’t do well around alcohol.