Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and members of his team were publicly reminded to show respect by a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day, according to video captured by the TV network pool at Arlington National Cemetery.
What happened at the Tomb
Following the Veterans Day commemoration President Donald Trump attended at Arlington, footage showed Hegseth posing for pictures with his team in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After some members of the group appeared to talk and laugh, the guard called out:
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”
According to CNN, Hegseth was accompanied by his wife, Jennifer; his chief of staff, Ricky Buria; his deputy chief of staff, Patrick Weaver; and senior adviser and deputy assistant Tami Radabaugh, The Guardian reported.
The Pentagon responds
In a statement to The Guardian, a Pentagon spokesperson said the defense secretary and the entire Department of Defense “have always honored – and will always honor – the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.”
“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” the spokesperson added.
A rough week for Hegseth
The moment came just a day after House Republicans shut down an effort to impeach Hegseth over launching the war in Iran without congressional approval, among other alleged violations. By a 211-204 vote, the House referred the articles of impeachment to the Judiciary Committee, effectively killing the push. Eleven Democrats missed that vote.
Earlier on Wednesday, in his Veterans Day remarks at Arlington, Trump praised Hegseth, saying he has done “a fantastic job.”
Why the Tomb matters
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded around the clock by soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” Visitors are expected to remain silent and respectful at the site, and sentinels are known to publicly remind anyone who breaks that rule, no matter who they are.
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