Reps. Pat Ryan and Mike Waltz, both veterans themselves, highlighted the importance of bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to honor the sacrifices made by servicemembers.

During a recent appearance on "Face the Nation," Rep. Ryan expressed concerns about the minimal proportion of active-duty service members, which currently stands at less than 1%, as being "deeply problematic as a democracy." Recognizing the need to connect those fighting wars with the rest of society, Ryan emphasized the urgency to encourage more individuals to serve in the military.

As part of their efforts, Ryan and his colleagues in Congress have prioritized recruiting within an annual defense bill, aiming to address the challenges faced by each branch of the military with regard to recruiting numbers. Acknowledging the Department of Defense's responsibility, Ryan stated, "We've been pushing in a bunch of directions to say that is not acceptable, and we're starting to see the numbers come up."

Inspired by Rep. Waltz, the bipartisan tradition of handwashing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has been a prominent gesture among lawmakers to commemorate Memorial Day. Waltz, who initiated the practice, believes it is crucial for Americans to witness lawmakers from diverse backgrounds honoring their forefathers, despite their political differences. The tradition displays unity and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served.

Both Ryan and Waltz emphasized the importance of increasing the number of veterans in Congress, as well as promoting national service programs to represent a broader population of Americans. Waltz highlighted that service does not solely pertain to military service and advocated for a return to national service in various capacities, such as with national parks, tutoring in inner-city schools, and elderly care.

To incentivize service, Waltz proposed a year of post-graduation service that would provide young people with benefits. He emphasized the need to rethink service as a country, emphasizing the values of leadership, discipline, followership, and working alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds.

As Memorial Day approaches, these lawmakers are advocating for greater representation of veterans in Congress and the incorporation of national service programs, aiming to foster a deeper connection between those who serve and the society they protect.