Defense Secretary awards Joint Service Commendation Medal to soldier who reminded officials to observe silence at Arlington tomb

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias with a Joint Service Commendation Medal on Thursday for his conduct at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The award ceremony took place at the Pentagon, where Hegseth praised the soldier, saying, "We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots."

The incident occurred after a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery when Hegseth, his wife, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh were photographed in front of the tomb. Observers heard members of the group laughing and chatting after the photos. Specialist Thomas Iglesias, on sentinel duty, stopped and reminded the visitors, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier "correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum." The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded continuously by the 3rd Infantry Regiment since 1948, is a highly protected site where visitors are expected to observe silence.