The Pentagon has commented after an Army guard reminded visitors to remain quiet during a Veterans Day visit by Pete Hegseth and members of his group to Arlington National Cemetery. The moment drew attention online and prompted criticism of the group’s conduct.
The incident took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial honoring unidentified U.S. service members. Visitors are expected to observe silence and show respect at the site.
Video shows Hegseth posing for photographs on the steps with his wife, Jennifer, White House chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh. As the group moved away from the photo area, a loud laugh can be heard in the footage, though it is not clear who made it.
A uniformed guard then called out: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!”
Pentagon backs the guard’s reminder
The Tomb is guarded around the clock by soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard. Visitors are expected to follow the memorial’s rules regardless of their position or status.
The footage spread on social media, where many users criticized the group’s behavior. Neither President Donald Trump nor other administration officials had publicly commented on the incident at the time of the Pentagon’s statement.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the guard acted appropriately while reminding visitors to maintain decorum.
“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell said, according to the BBC.
He added that Hegseth and the department honor the sacrifices made by U.S. service members.
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