Guard rebukes Hegseth's group at Arlington's Unknown Soldier tomb on Veterans Day

The rebuke at the tomb

On Wednesday, 11 November, during Veterans Day events at Arlington National Cemetery, a guard posted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier spoke to members of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's party. Video of the incident shows the group laughing and posing for photographs on the monument's steps after the ceremony, according to several outlets. The guard walked toward the group and, from a short distance, called out in a loud voice that all visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times. The group turned to look at him, then walked on. The footage was first reported by CNN, according to one outlet, and spread quickly on social media, where most commenters criticized the entourage's behaviour rather than the guard's.

Who was in the group

The Associated Press named those in the group as Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Burria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Gwiver and senior adviser Tammy Rantampo. Sources do not agree on who was laughing. One report says it has not been clarified which people laughed or talked, so the behaviour cannot be attributed to Hegseth with certainty. Another says Hegseth was not heard laughing, according to the available information, but that he was present with his closest aides when the guard intervened. Another notes the video places him in a difficult position even if he did not laugh himself. NewsIT reported that the intervention falls within the usual procedures at the monument and was not an official military or disciplinary reprimand of the defence secretary.

Pentagon response

The Pentagon was asked by CNN for comment on the incident. Chief spokesman Sean Parnell said the secretary and the entire department have always honored, and will always honor, the sacrifices made by the men and women of the armed forces. He added that during the day's solemn commemoration a soldier had correctly and respectfully reminded everyone of the need for proper conduct. The comments did not address who was laughing.

The impeachment effort

Hegseth held a rare news conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday, 10 November, a few hours before a House vote on a bid to impeach him. He called the effort a farce and defended his record, which includes support for the unpopular war in Iran, strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in Latin American waters, and the removal of senior military officers. A former Army National Guard soldier who served in Iraq, Hegseth emerged from the week in a better position, according to reports. One report says the House rejected the bid, while another says the resolution was temporarily shelved and will be referred to a committee. Democrats now control both chambers of Congress, according to one report.

About the tomb

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier holds the remains of three unidentified American service members, one from the First World War, and is considered a sacred site for mourning and reflection about military service. Guards watch over it around the clock, and the Old Guard has kept continuous watch since 1948, regardless of the weather. Foreign leaders, presidents and senior officials regularly pay tribute there. Visitors are expected to keep their voices low and show the required respect, a standard the guard invoked on Wednesday.