A U.S. Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery reprimanded a group that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during Veterans Day events at the solemn landmark.
In video taken at the site Wednesday, a person is heard laughing after posing for a group photo in front of the tomb. The sentinel, who is part of the regiment that guards the tomb 24 hours a day, rain or shine, shouted as the group walked off, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”
The Associated Press reported that the group included Hegseth, his wife Jennifer Hegseth, Pentagon chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement that “while commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”
“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,” Parnell added.
While the tomb is considered one of the nation’s most sacred spaces, disruptions there do happen. In a 2022 U.S. Army interview, then-Relief Commander Staff Sgt. Chadwick Winget said intentional disruptions were rare: “It’s usually just them being oblivious. … They’re talking and not realizing how loud they’re being, or laughing or making jokes amongst their group. It detracts from the other people that are trying to pay their respects.”
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