An Army sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier shouted a verbal reprimand to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his staff on Wednesday after laughter was heard from the group.
The incident happened at Arlington National Cemetery after a Veterans Day ceremony. Video shows Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, and several senior advisers posing for photographs on the memorial steps.
The sentry on duty corrected the group. “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier shouted, according to CBC.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s top spokesperson, issued a statement addressing the interaction. He defended the actions of the sentry and the conduct of the department.
This is truly abhorrent. Pete Hegseth doesn't know how to conduct himself, even at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. His behavior is unbecoming of any visitor to the Tomb, let alone that which comes from a Secretary of Defense. pic.twitter.com/lrTfOgQzBM
“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, as reported by The Guardian.
Parnell said that “while commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”
It is not appropriate to laugh outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a member of the Army’s Old Guard reminds Hegseth’s group. On Veterans Day. pic.twitter.com/nA8AejwOJH
The group in the photo session included Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer. It also included chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh, BBC reported.
Democratic lawmakers reacted sharply to the incident at the cemetery. Rep. Gwen Moore, a Democrat from Wisconsin, said the event demonstrated “his utter lack of fitness for his office,” Los Angeles Times reported.
The progressive veterans organization VoteVets called the incident a “disgrace” and renewed their calls for Hegseth to be removed from his position, Fox News reported.
The Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, has guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 24 hours a day since 1948, Fox News reported.
Pete Hegseth continues to demonstrate his utter lack of fitness for his office. One day after narrowly avoiding impeachment, he shows his contempt for our men and women in uniform by disrespecting the sanctity of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. https://t.co/HBJizOL9GK
Sentinels are trained to maintain strict standards of military appearance and conduct. Staff Sgt. Chadwick Winget, the relief commander, said in a 2022 Army interview that sentinels react to crowds several times per day, according to CBS News.
The memorial is the final resting place for unidentified service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Three unidentified U.S. service members are buried at the site.
Sentinels undergo intense training and testing to learn exact ceremonial movements. Their service includes maintaining immaculate weapons and uniforms.
Each passage along the tomb consists of 21 steps. This is followed by 21-second pauses. The tradition relates to the 21-gun salute.