A US Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier loudly reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his senior advisers on Wednesday after members of the group laughed and talked near the memorial following a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the sentinel called out, stopping his patrol to face the group as they left, according to video of the incident aired by CNN.
Hegseth had been posing for photographs in front of the tomb with his wife, Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh. Some in the group laughed and chatted after the photos, prompting the soldier to correct them.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.” He said Hegseth and the department have always honoured the sacrifices of service members.
Hegseth had attended the annual Veterans Day ceremony at which President Donald Trump laid a wreath. Vice President JD Vance also attended.
The tomb honours unidentified US service members killed in battle. Soldiers from the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, have guarded it around the clock since 1948.
The reprimand came a day after House Republicans blocked an effort to impeach Hegseth, according to CNN.
Source: CNN
