Hegseth honors soldier who enforced Arlington cemetery rules
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded a medal to a soldier who reprimanded him and his group for loud laughter at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day. The soldier received the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his duty performance. The incident occurred Wednesday when the infantryman scolded Hegseth, his wife Jennifer Rauchet, and companions at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near Washington. CNN footage shows the soldier shouting that visitors must maintain an atmosphere of calm and respect. Hegseth posted photos of the award on X, writing "We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist." The Tomb, created in 1921, has been guarded around the clock by the "Old Guard" regiment since 1948.