- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a group of his senior advisers were reprimanded by a U.S. Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Wednesday.
- Video shows Hegseth standing and taking photos in front of the tomb with a group that included his wife Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.
- The video captured some people in the group laughing and talking after taking pictures when a soldier patrolling in front of the Tomb stopped and shouted, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."
- On Nov. 11, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that a soldier correctly reminded everyone to maintain decorum during the solemn day.
- The incident comes less than a day after Hegseth narrowly survived an effort to impeach him by lawmakers in Congress.
- The incident occurred shortly after an impeachment effort led by Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie was voted down in the House.
On Veterans Day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his entourage were reprimanded by a soldier at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for disrespectful behavior. The group, which included Hegseth's wife and senior advisers, was seen laughing and taking photos after the ceremony.1
The soldier, trained to uphold the tomb's solemnity, shouted, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." This incident highlights a troubling trend among public figures, as critics argue it reflects a lack of decorum and respect for military traditions.45
The tomb, a revered memorial housing unidentified soldiers from major wars, has been guarded by the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment since 1948. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated, “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.” Hegseth's actions come on the heels of a failed impeachment effort against him in Congress, further complicating his public image.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining respect at such significant sites, especially during commemorative events.
“The incident occurred less than a day after Hegseth narrowly survived an impeachment effort led by Rep. Thomas Massie. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier 'correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,' while video showed Hegseth's wife and senior advisers in the group.”
FOX43
