Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, awarded a commendation medal to a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guard after the soldier admonished him, his wife, and their entourage to maintain silence and respect during the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, as a video of the incident quickly spread online.
Pete Hegseth presented the Joint Service Commendation Medal to Private Thomas Iglesias of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the "Old Guard," after Iglesias warned Hegseth and his entourage to maintain quiet and decorum at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier within Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day.
A video from Wednesday shows Hegseth, his wife, and senior aides taking photos and conversing on the steps near the memorial, with audible laughter, before Iglesias, on duty as a sentinel, approached and loudly reminded them, "All visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."
The clip went viral online, while the U.S. Department of Defense stated that Hegseth awarded Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal to recognize his duty performance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Photos posted on Hegseth's X account show him pinning the medal on Iglesias, with members of the Old Guard standing by, accompanied by the message: "We love our soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Private. Keep up the good work, patriots."
Sean Parnell, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, said the soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain proper conduct during the solemn remembrance ceremony, affirming that the Secretary of Defense and the Department honor and will always honor the sacrifices of those defending the nation.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most sacred U.S. memorial sites, resting three unknown soldiers, including those who died in World War I. The 3rd Infantry Regiment has guarded the tomb 24/7 since 1948 and frequently admonishes visitors who fail to comply with rules requiring quiet speech and forbidding inappropriate behavior.
Previously, former President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and senior officials attended the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, with Trump praising Hegseth's performance as Secretary of Defense.
Hegseth recently survived an impeachment attempt in the House of Representatives after allegations he conducted unauthorized war actions against Iran without Congressional approval. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party, having won the midterm elections and holding majorities in both chambers, plans to continue scrutinizing his administration and has not ruled out filing another impeachment.