Sentry Orders Hegseth to Stay Silent
On Wednesday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near Washington, US Pete Hegseth was sharply told to keep quiet by an on-duty sentry during a photo opportunity on Veterans Day.
The incident occurred on a 250-hectare military cemetery in Virginia where over 430,000 soldiers are buried, NRC reported. Specialist Thomas Iglesias shouted at the group for laughing and talking while posing on the marble steps.
Visitors are expected to maintain absolute silence at the monument, which has been continuously guarded by the 3rd US Infantry Regiment since 1937. Hegseth stood near his wife and Pentagon officials when the sentry intervened.
We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots. pic.twitter.com/Uk6ek6oOso
„Bezoekers moeten te allen tijde stilte en respect betrachten”, bulderde hij ineens, NOS noted of the soldier’s warning.
Medal Awarded for Strict Protocol Enforcement
A day after the confrontation, De Telegraaf reported that Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal to Iglesias for executing his duties. The defense chief shared his praise online.
„We houden van soldaten, we houden van standaarden. Goed gedaan, specialist”, Hegseth wrote on X, referencing the soldier’s rank.
A Pentagon spokesperson said that Iglesias correctly and respectfully reminded everyone of the required decorum. The award is designed for meritorious service that exceeds expected standards.
wow — CNN broadcast footage of an Arlington guard yelling at a group with Pete Hegseth to "MAINTAIN SILENCE … PAY RESPECT!" after someone in his entourage started laughing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pic.twitter.com/430uEKRRp5
Political Turbulence Surrounding the Defense Secretary
The quiet-zone reprimand arrived during a volatile political week for Hegseth, who narrowly escaped an impeachment effort in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers voted 211 to 204 against referring the removal proposal to a committee after eleven Democrats missed the roll call.
Hegseth dismissed the impeachment attempt as a farce and a political stunt, NOS detailed.
President Donald Trump addressed the defense secretary’s performance during a ceremony speech on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Arlington Incident
Why was Specialist Iglesias guarding the tomb?
Iglesias serves as part of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, which has maintained a continuous 24-hour watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier since 1937.
What medal did Pete Hegseth give to the sentry?
The defense secretary awarded Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for performance that goes beyond normal expectations.
How did the political vote on Hegseth conclude?
The House of Representatives blocked an impeachment resolution with a 211 to 204 vote on Tuesday.
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