Hegseth, wife and aides spark scolding from guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Detailed summary
A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery issued a verbal reprimand to a group of advisers and staffers with U.S. War Secretary Pete…
A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery issued a verbal reprimand to a group of advisers and staffers with U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth following a Veterans Day ceremony.
Video shows Hegseth taking photos on the empty steps in front of the tomb with his wife, Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.
As the group broke from taking photos, a loud laugh could be heard, and the soldier guarding the tomb shouted that "all visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's top spokesman, said that "while commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum."
"The Secretary and the entire Department have always honoured — and will always honour — the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe," he added.
Hegseth delegation appears to be rebuked at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The tomb is considered to be one of the most solemn and revered war memorials in the U.S., being the final resting place of unidentified soldiers from the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. It has been guarded around the clock — rain or shine — by a soldier from the Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard," since 1948.
Hegseth and his staff were at the tomb as part of a larger ceremony commemorating Veterans Day that also was attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance.
The incident comes a day after Hegseth narrowly survived an effort to impeach him by lawmakers in Congress.
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