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Sentinel Reprimands Hegseth and Aides for Noise at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day

A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier told Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his advisers to keep silent after members of the group laughed and talked near the memorial following Wednesday's Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

By admin Nov. 12, 2026 · 10:46 AM ET 1 min read

The white marble Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, seen from behind, with autumn trees and a lone guard walking on a path in the distance.

A U.S. Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his senior advisers on Wednesday after some in the group laughed and talked near the memorial following a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Video of the moment shows the sentinel stopping his patrol and turning to face the group. “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier called out. Hegseth had been posing for photographs in front of the tomb with his wife, Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh. Some in the group were laughing and chatting after the photographs, CNN reported.

The Pentagon’s response

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier had acted properly. “The soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell said. “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.”

A uniformed honor guard sentinel in a dark blue dress uniform walking away from the camera along a black mat toward a white marble monument.

A memorial guarded around the clock

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier holds the remains of an unidentified American killed in World War I. Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, have guarded it around the clock, in all weather, since 1948. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance also attended the ceremony.

Rows of white marble headstones on a grassy hillside at Arlington National Cemetery in autumn fog.

The episode came a day after House Republicans blocked an effort to impeach Hegseth. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican, had filed articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of carrying out unlawful orders, including waging war in Iran without congressional approval. Hegseth has called the charges a policy dispute. Trump stood by Hegseth ahead of Tuesday’s vote.

Reporting based on coverage by CNN and USA Today.

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