Soldier Reprimands Defense Secretary for Laughing at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Receives Medal

A US Army soldier reprimanded Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his delegation for laughing during a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday. The soldier was awarded a medal on Thursday for his actions. The incident occurred during Veterans Day commemorations, with video showing Hegseth, his wife, and aides taking photos and talking on the memorial's steps. Sentinel Thomas Iglesias approached the group and shouted, "All visitors must maintain an environment of silence and respect at all times." The Pentagon praised the soldier's conduct, with chief spokesman Sean Parnell stating he "correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain composure." Iglesias received the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Hegseth commented on social media, "We love the soldiers. We love the standards."