Defense Secretary awards medal to soldier who halted laughter at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
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Secretary Pete Hegseth presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal after Iglesias reminded a group to observe silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his actions at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day, according to a Pentagon official cited by CNN. The award ceremony took place at the Pentagon, where Hegseth pinned the medal, shook Iglesias's hand and posed with other service members.
During a Veterans Day ceremony, Hegseth, his wife and several staff members stopped for photos in front of the tomb. As members of the group were heard laughing, Iglesias, on patrol, reminded them that "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." The exchange was captured on video and circulated on social media.
"The Secretary and the entire Department have always honored — and will always honor — the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. "While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum."
The incident occurred amid ongoing scrutiny of Hegseth, who recently faced an impeachment vote in the House over separate allegations concerning defense policy decisions.