US soldier appears to admonish Pentagon chief Hegseth's group at Tomb of Unknown Soldier

A US Army sentinel guarding the sacred Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery appeared to admonish Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's delegation on Wednesday, following a Veterans Day event, according to a video. The delegation, including Mr Hegseth, his wife, and senior aides, were seen taking pictures and speaking to each other on the steps of the memorial, where laughter could be heard.

Immediately after the laughter, the sentinel moved toward the group and shouted, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times. It is not appropriate to laugh outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier." The Old Guard member of the Army reminded the delegation of the solemn nature of the site, which is the final resting place of three unknown American service members from various wars, including one from the First World War.

The sentinel's duties include guarding the site 24 hours a day. When asked about the incident, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell responded that the Secretary and the Department always honor the sacrifices of military men and women.