A U.S. Army sentry guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier chastised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a group of his top advisers Wednesday after some members of the group laughed and talked near the solemn memorial following a Veterans Day ceremony.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.” » the sentry shouted, stopping his patrol to face the group as they left.
Hegseth stood and took photos at the graveside with his wife, Jennifer, Chief of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver and Senior Advisor and Deputy Assistant Tami Radabaugh following the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Some members of the group were laughing and chatting after taking photos, prompting the soldier patrolling the tomb to shout and correct them.
Asked for comment, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said “the Soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”
“The Secretary and the entire Department have always honored – and always will honor – the sacrifices our service men and women have made to keep America safe. While commemorating this solemn day, one Soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell said.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of America’s most sacred war memorials, marking the final resting place of an unknown soldier killed during World War I. A soldier assigned to the Old Guard, or 3rd Infantry Regiment, has guarded the tomb 24 hours a day, rain or shine, since 1948. Foreign dignitaries, presidents, public figures and politicians frequently visit the tomb to pay their respects to American service members.
Hegseth and his team were at Arlington National Cemetery for a ceremony also attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The defense secretary has faced renewed scrutiny and pressure in recent days after articles of impeachment were filed against him by outgoing Republican Rep. Thomas Massie. But in a procedural vote Tuesday night, the Republican Party successfully blocked impeachment proceedings from moving forward, prompting Hegseth and his allies to claim vindication.
Hegseth was accused by Massie of carrying out illegal orders, including waging the war in Iran without congressional approval, ignoring laws designed to minimize civilian casualties, and ordering the Pentagon to carry out extrajudicial killings. At a news conference Tuesday, Hegseth said the charges were a political dispute and not high crimes.
President Donald Trump, who also faced criticism for his behavior at Arlington National Cemetery when he filmed a 2024 campaign video there, stood by Hegseth ahead of Tuesday’s vote and pledged to continue supporting him in the future.
This story has been updated with additional information.
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