Who guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? Hegseth just honored the sentinel who scolded him and his group at Arlington.
Hegseth honored a soldier who scolded him and his entourage at Arlington. Here's what it takes to be a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently honored Army Spc. Thomas Iglesias, a sentinel of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, who reprimanded him and his group for misbehavior near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The soldier, who was part of a delegation including Hegseth's wife and senior aides, was seen laughing during a photograph session, prompting Iglesias to loudly remind them to maintain decorum.
In response, Hegseth presented Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal, commending his conduct during the Veterans Day observance. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by elite sentinels of The Old Guard, who undergo rigorous selection and training processes. These soldiers, who are at least 5 feet 8 inches tall, perform a 21-step march 21 times, symbolizing the 21-gun salute, while preserving the memorial's dignity and ensuring visitors adhere to strict standards of respect.
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