Sentinel reminds Defense Secretary and advisers to keep silence at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
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A U.S. Army sentinel halted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his advisers after they were heard laughing near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following a Veterans Day ceremony.
A U.S. Army sentinel assigned to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stopped Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, and senior staff members as they departed the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The soldier said, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times," after hearing members of the group laughing and talking near the memorial.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier "correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum" and affirmed that the Department of Defense continues to honor the sacrifices of service members.
The Tomb, guarded around the clock by the 3rd Infantry Regiment since 1948, is a frequent site for visits by presidents, foreign dignitaries and other public figures. The ceremony that day was also attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Hegseth has recently faced political scrutiny, including an impeachment effort by Representative Thomas Massie that was blocked by a procedural vote in the House. The secretary has described the accusations as a policy dispute rather than criminal conduct.