'Maintain respect!' Guard reprimands laughing Hegseth delegation at soldier memorial
What's the story
United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was publicly reprimanded by a soldier at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The incident occurred after a Veterans Day ceremony when members of Hegseth's entourage were seen laughing and talking near the memorial. A video shows Hegseth taking photos with his wife Jennifer and senior team members on the steps in front of the tomb.
Memorial rules
Soldier intervened after group finished taking pictures
As the group finished taking pictures, some members were seen laughing and talking. This prompted the soldier on duty to intervene and remind them of the memorial's rules.
"All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times," the sentinel shouted, stopping his patrol and turning toward the group.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, a day after Hegseth narrowly survived an impeachment effort in the US House of Representatives.
Official statement
Pentagon defends soldier's actions
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the soldier's actions, saying he acted appropriately.
"While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum," Parnell said in a statement.
He also emphasized that Hegseth and the Department of Defense always honor military sacrifices.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred site for unidentified American soldiers who died in World War I, World War II, and Korean War.
Twitter Post
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UN SOLDADO RETÓ EN PÚBLICO AL SECRETARIO DE DEFENSA DE ESTADOS UNIDOS
— Clarín (@clarincom) November 12, 2026
Un centinela reprendió públicamente al secretario de Defensa estadounidense, Pete Hegseth, cuando se fotografiaba entre risas con su esposa y funcionarios al término de una ceremonia por el Día de los… pic.twitter.com/uDLrMxaae2
Impeachment attempt
Tomb guarded by soldiers
The tomb has been guarded 24/7 by soldiers from the Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment since 1948.
Visitors are expected to maintain silence and respect at the site.
Hegseth was visiting the cemetery as part of Veterans Day commemorations, attended by President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance.
The incident drew criticism from Democrats, with Representative Gwen Moore accusing Hegseth of showing "his utter lack of fitness for his office."
Impeachment attempt
Hegseth survives impeachment attempt
Hegseth's reprimand came a day after House Republicans blocked an impeachment attempt against him.
The effort was led by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who introduced a resolution with eight articles of impeachment.
Hegseth was accused of authorizing military operations without congressional approval and overseeing actions involving civilian casualties.
In a 211-204 vote on Tuesday, lawmakers referred the resolution to a committee, preventing an immediate impeachment vote on the House floor.