Hegseth Rebuked by Guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for Laughter During Veterans Day Visit

In brief

• A US military sentry at Arlington National Cemetery rebuked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's group for laughter near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• The incident happened on November 11, during Veterans Day observances, and was captured on video that spread widely.
• The Pentagon's chief spokesman said the sentry's reaction was appropriate.

Guard Confronts Defense Secretary's Group

The incident took place on Wednesday, November 11, during Veterans Day observances at Arlington National Cemetery. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, and several senior advisers had stopped in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to service members killed in combat whose remains were never identified, when laughter rose from the group («Все должны соблюдать тишину!» В США военный караульный отчитал группу Хегсета за смех у Могилы неизвестного солдата — видео – NV) (В США солдат сделал замечание Хегсету и его делегации из-за хохота у могилы Неизвестного солдата – 24tv.ua) (У США військовий накричав на делегацію Гегсета, яка реготала біля могили Невідомого солдата – Європейська правда).

What the Video Shows

Footage recorded by journalists shows the sentry turning toward the party shortly after a woman in the group laughed loudly. As the visitors were leaving, the soldier called out that all visitors must maintain silence and show respect at all times. Hegseth and members of his party briefly looked back before continuing on.

Those in the Group

According to reports, the group included Hegseth's chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Viver and adviser Tami Radabau. Cemetery rules bar visitors from shouting or making other noise during ceremonies.

Pentagon Response

Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell said the sentry's reaction was appropriate. He said the department has always honored those who gave their lives for American security and that on this solemn day a soldier had correctly reminded everyone to observe proper decorum.

Context

Hegseth had attended the annual Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery, which was also attended by President Donald Trump. The sentry's remark drew attention because it was directed at the country's top defense official during a public commemoration.