Pete Hegseth scolded at Tomb of Unknown Soldier as soldier screams ‘silence’

Detailed summary

A guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier called for silence after Pete Hegseth and his entourage were heard laughing during a Veterans Day event at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday.

Pete Hegseth seemed to receive a telling-off at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Wednesday during a Veterans Day ceremony. The defence secretary was having his photograph taken at Arlington National Cemetery when he and those accompanying him were heard chuckling.

Almost instantly, a guard bellowed, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!".

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as one of America's most hallowed war memorials, honouring the final resting place of a World War I serviceman. The location now also encompasses the burial sites of two additional unknown soldiers, one from World War II and one from the Korean War.

Angie Wong, a Miami Republican Committee woman, stood up for Hegseth's behaviour.

"I understand Pete Hegseth might not be having the best week; he's not popular right now," she said, alluding to Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie filing articles of impeachment against Hegseth earlier this week over the war in Iran, reports the Mirror US.

"They don't like his moves, but he's the most effective War Secretary that we've had."

The memorial is protected by the 3rd Infantry Regiment round the clock, every day of the year. Guests are firmly required to keep quiet and remain standing throughout ceremonies while viewing the tomb.

The incident follows a turbulent week for Hegseth, who barely avoided an impeachment vote in the House of Representatives on Tuesday evening. The impeachment articles alleged Hegseth had carried out unlawful orders, including launching military action in Iran without congressional approval, disregarding civilian casualty laws, and ordering extrajudicial killings.

Hegseth rejected the accusations during a press conference on Tuesday, describing it as a "policy dispute," while President Donald Trump pledged his continued backing.

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