Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and an accompanying group on Veterans Day were scolded for a breach of decorum by a soldier standing watch at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In footage from CNN, Mr. Hegseth is seen taking photos and chatting with a group when a laugh is heard from the small crowd. It is not clear who in the gathering laughed.
The unidentified soldier on watch quickly responded to the secretary’s group, which included Mr. Hegseth’s wife and his chief of staff, Ricky Buria.
People were interested in these podcasts
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier can be heard yelling in the footage.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told CBS News in a statement that “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.”
“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Mr. Parnell added.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Virginia’s Arlington National Cemetery, just south of the Potomac from the nation’s capital, was unveiled in 1921 and memorializes American service members from World War I and other conflicts whose remains were never identified.
The tomb is known for its sentinels who watch over the memorial 24 hours a day, and it is not uncommon for them to reprimand visitors.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.