‘All visitors must remain silent and respectful’: A sentry reprimands Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's group at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The guard's reaction was immediate. In a loud voice, he reminded those present of the rules governing one of the country's most solemn sites, where American service members whose remains could never be identified are laid to rest.
Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War, in a file photo
A U.S. Army sentry reprimanded Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's entourage on Wednesday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at Arlington National Cemetery, after laughter was heard at the end of the ceremony marking Veterans Day.
The incident, first reported by CNN and later picked up by the entire U.S. press, occurred minutes after President Donald Trump left the site. Hegseth, his wife, Jennifer, and several of his advisors stayed behind to pose for photos on the steps of the memorial and, as the group walked away, one of the people burst out laughing.
The guard's reaction to the laughter was immediate. In a loud voice, he reminded those present of the rule that applies at one of the country's most solemn sites, where the remains of U.S. service members who could never be identified rest: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."
It is unclear who laughed or whether Hegseth was involved in the moment.
The Pentagon played down the incident and backed the soldier for doing his job.
"While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum," said spokesperson Sean Parnell, who assured that the Department of War has always honored the sacrifice of U.S. service members.
The incident comes during a tumultuous week for Hegseth. On Tuesday, the House of Representatives, by a vote of 211 to 204, blocked a Democratic attempt to impeach him, based on eight articles accusing him of illegal military operations and abuse of power. The vote was decided with 11 Democrats absent, and the party, which will control the House starting in January, could resume the offensive.
The sentinels belong to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, and guard the tomb 24 hours a day, year-round. It is not unusual for them to interrupt noisy visitors, as a former member of the regiment reported in 2022 that they usually do so two or three times a day.
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