12.11.2026 10:51
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth encountered an unexpected reaction at Arlington National Cemetery, which he visited as part of Veterans Day. When laughter rose from the delegation accompanying Hegseth as he took photos in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the guard intervened and loudly warned the group. Those moments were captured on camera.
Following the memorial ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11 for Veterans Day in the US, a notable incident occurred. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posed for a commemorative photo in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier along with his wife Jennifer and senior advisers.
After the photo session was completed, laughter and talking voices rose from the group. Thereupon, the soldier standing guard in front of the monument stopped his march, turned toward the delegation, and issued a loud warning.
"ALWAYS MAINTAIN SILENCE AND RESPECT"
The guard soldier called out to the group, which included the US Defense Secretary, "All visitors must always maintain silence and respect."
In footage captured by cameras, after the soldier's warning, Hegseth was seen turning his head back to look at the guard. However, it could not be determined exactly from which person in the group the laughter came.
PENTAGON SUPPORTS SOLDIER'S WARNING
After the incident, a statement also came from the Pentagon. Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the guard soldier's intervention was appropriate and said, "While commemorating this meaningful day, a soldier reminded everyone of the rules of proper conduct correctly and respectfully."
Parnell also emphasized that Defense Secretary Hegseth and the Department of Defense always respect the sacrifices of soldiers who lost their lives for the country's security.
STRICT RULES ARE ENFORCED AT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, one of the US's most important military memorials, keeps alive the memory of American soldiers whose identities could not be determined. In the area where the monument is located, visitors are required to maintain silence and behave respectfully.
At the monument, guarded by soldiers from the US Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, a guard is kept 24 hours a day. Guards can issue verbal warnings when necessary to ensure visitors comply with the rules in the memorial area.