U.S. Defense Secretary Awards Medal to Soldier Who Reprimanded Him at Arlington Cemetery
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth awarded a medal to a soldier who reprimanded him for laughing at Arlington National Cemetery, an act that drew widespread criticism. Hegseth announced the award on X on November 12, honoring Specialist Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal, a high honor rarely given to junior enlisted personnel. The soldier had shouted at Hegseth's party to maintain silence and respect near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The incident occurred during a Veterans Day ceremony, following Hegseth's narrow escape from an impeachment vote in the House. The cemetery has maintained 24-hour guards since 1937, with sentinels performing a precise 21-step ritual honoring fallen soldiers.