The key facts

  • The guard interrupted Hegseth's photo session at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, demanding silence and respect
  • The Pentagon presented the soldier with the Joint Service Commendation Medal the next day
  • The incident occurred two days after the failed second attempt to impeach Hegseth in Congress

A rebuke to the defense secretary at the memorial

On November 11, Veterans Day, an incident took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery that received wide coverage in the American media. According to Kun.uz, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stopped on the steps by the memorial for a photo together with his wife Jennifer, his chief of staff Ricky Buria, his deputy Patrick Weaver, and the secretary's aide Tammy Radabo. After the photo shoot, the group began walking up the steps, and someone laughed loudly.

The guard's reaction and the Pentagon's response

One of the guards watching over the tomb stopped, turned to the accompanying group, and said loudly: 'All visitors are required to maintain silence and show respect at all times!' Hegseth turned around but said nothing. The moment was captured by the White House television pool and spread across American media, sparking a new wave of criticism against the secretary. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, however, backed the service member, noting that he 'properly and respectfully reminded everyone of the need to observe the rules of etiquette.'

The award and the context

As early as the next day, a Pentagon official named Iglesias summoned the service member and personally presented him with the Joint Service Commendation Medal. The department explained that the award was given for 'exemplary performance of duties in guarding the memorial.' Hegseth himself posted photos of the ceremony with the caption: 'We love our soldiers. We love standards. Great work. Keep it up, patriots.' According to Kun.uz, the awardee's last name is Iglesias.

The political backdrop

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most revered military memorials in the United States: since 1948 it has been guarded around the clock by soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as 'The Old Guard.' The incident came at a difficult time for Hegseth: it occurred two days after Congress for the second time failed to advance the impeachment of the secretary. The initiative was pushed by Republican Thomas Massie, who accused the Pentagon chief of dereliction of duty and abuse of power, including in connection with the war in Iran, but other Republicans in Congress blocked his attempt.