An Army sentinel reprimanded a group of Pentagon officials, including War Secretary Pete Hegseth, after they were reportedly heard laughing near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery during a Veterans Day visit.
Hegseth, his wife and several aides—including chief of staff Ricky Buria—had just finished posing for a group photo at the memorial to unidentified US service members when laughter came from the group Wednesday.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” a soldier from the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” called out immediately.
It was not clear who, if anyone, in the group was laughing.
Members of the Old Guard maintain a continuous watch over the tomb and routinely remind visitors to observe silence and proper decorum at the sacred site.
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Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell commended the soldier for reinforcing the rules governing conduct at the memorial.
“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 said in a statement.
“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” he added.
President Trump took part in a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb before the exchange.
The episode occurred a day after House Republicans blocked impeachment proceedings against Hegseth by voting to refer articles filed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) to the House Judiciary Committee.
