Pentagon backs war memorial guard who reprimanded Hegseth's group

What the report says

The Pentagon has publicly backed a U.S. Army ceremonial guard who rebuked a group that included Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Veterans Day visit to Arlington National Cemetery, according to BBC World News. The incident took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where visitors are expected to remain quiet and respectful.

Video from the observance on Wednesday showed Hegseth, his wife and senior advisers smiling and talking while taking photos. The Army sentinel then stepped toward the group and told them to keep an atmosphere of silence and respect. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier had reminded everyone of proper decorum and described the intervention as correct and respectful.

On Thursday, Hegseth presented an award to the soldier, identified by the Pentagon as Specialist Thomas Iglesias of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard. Hegseth also praised the soldier in a post on X. The cemetery’s rules ask visitors to speak quietly and avoid disruptive behavior, and the watch at the tomb has been maintained around the clock since 1948.

The episode unfolded during broader Veterans Day commemorations at Arlington, where President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance also attended the annual wreath-laying ceremony. BBC World News noted that sentries at the site regularly correct visitors when needed, underscoring the memorial’s solemn significance.