WASHINGTON — US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal on Thursday to the soldier who reprimanded him and members of his staff at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery a day earlier.
“We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Hegseth said in a post on social media. “Carry on Patriots.”
A video of a Veterans Day observance event on Wednesday showed Hegseth, his wife and senior advisers laughing and talking while posing for photos in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before the guard told them to be quiet.
A Pentagon official confirmed that Hegseth welcomed the 3rd Infantry Regiment to the Pentagon, “where he proudly awarded Specialist Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for the execution of his duties at the National Cemetery.
The 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, is responsible for holding vigil over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Photos shared on the defense secretary’s X account showed him presenting the medal to Iglesias.
In the video, the army sentinel on duty later identified as Iglesias can be seen stepping toward Hegseth’s group and shouting: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”
The Arlington National Cemetery etiquette requests that visitors speak quietly and do not engage in disrespectful or disorderly conduct.
The tomb, which is one of the country’s most sacred war memorials, marks the final resting place of an unknown soldier who was killed in World War One.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement: “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.
“The Secretary and the entire Department have always honoured – and will always honour – the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.”
A service member from the 3rd Infantry Regiment stands watch over the tomb 24 hours a day and has done so since 1948.
It is not unusual for them to admonish visitors to the site, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS News. They reportedly do so a few times a day.
Earlier, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other top officials attended the annual wreath-laying at the cemetery.
During his speech at the ceremony, Trump offered his gratitude to uniformed service members who have fought for the country. He also touted what he sees as his administration’s success in the Iran war.
Trump also pointed out Hegseth during the ceremony, saying he’s done a “fantastic job” as defense secretary.
Source: Saudi Gazette