WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and members of his team were reportedly reminded by a US Army guard to maintain silence and respect during their visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day.
A video shared across social media platforms and US news networks shows Hegseth and his group gathering for photographs near the historic memorial following a Veterans Day ceremony attended by President Donald Trump.
During the gathering, laughter and conversation could be heard, prompting an Army sentinel to issue a firm reminder to visitors.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the guard announced.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of America’s most significant military memorials. It honours unidentified US service members who lost their lives during World War I, World War II and the Korean War. The memorial also includes an empty burial site dedicated to missing service members from the Vietnam War.
According to CNN, the group accompanying Hegseth included his wife, Jennifer, Cef of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said that Hegseth and the Defence Department have consistently respected the sacrifices made by members of the US military.
He added that a soldier had appropriately reminded visitors to maintain proper conduct while commemorating the solemn occasion.
The incident also drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Congresswoman Gwen Moore of Wisconsin criticised Hegseth in a post on X, questioning his conduct at the military memorial and describing the incident as disrespectful to the sacrifices of American service members.
The video and subsequent political reactions brought renewed attention to the importance of maintaining dignity and respect at the historic military site.
