A brief moment at Arlington National Cemetery drew widespread attention after a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sentinel called for silence as a group that included Pete Hegseth left the memorial steps.
The encounter followed a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony on November 11. Video shows Hegseth, his wife and several aides posing for photos near the tomb. As the group moved away, laughter could be heard, and the guard called out: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.” The footage does not make clear who laughed or whether Hegseth himself made any noise.
The Pentagon backs the sentinel
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded around the clock by soldiers from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard. Arlington National Cemetery describes the site as a silent memorial, where visitors are expected to remain quiet and follow instructions from the guards.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the sentinel had appropriately reminded visitors to maintain decorum. He added that Hegseth and the Department of Defense honor the sacrifices of U.S. service members.
The video prompted criticism online, with some viewers saying the group should have been more mindful of the memorial’s solemn setting. Others praised the guard for carrying out his duty.
Hegseth later recognized the guard
The sentinel was identified as Army Specialist Thomas Iglesias. On November 12, Hegseth presented him with a Joint Service Commendation Medal at the Pentagon, recognizing his conduct during the incident.
The moment has since sparked debate over decorum at the memorial. The Pentagon, however, publicly supported the soldier’s reminder and Hegseth later honored him for delivering it.