'Well done, specialist': Hegseth honours soldier who scolded his team at war memorial

The Pentagon has expressed support for a United States Army guard who corrected a group, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, at Arlington National Cemetery during a Veterans Day observance event. A video from the event showed Hegseth, his wife, and senior advisers laughing and conversing while posing for photographs near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The footage captured a sentinel on duty approaching Hegseth's group and admonishing them, stating: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."

Sean Parnell, a chief Pentagon spokesman, confirmed in a statement that the soldier's action was appropriate and respectful in maintaining decorum on a solemn day. He added that the Department of Defense always honors the sacrifices made by military personnel to safeguard America. Arlington National Cemetery etiquette stipulates that visitors should speak quietly and refrain from disrespectful or disorderly conduct.

The tomb, a prominent war memorial, commemorates an unknown soldier who perished during World War I and has been guarded by a member of the 3rd Infantry Regiment since 1948.

Prior to the event, President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and other high-ranking officials participated in an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery. Trump expressed gratitude to uniformed service members for their service and defended Hegseth's administration's success in the Iran conflict, which he claimed resulted in a "total victory."

During the ceremony, Trump referred to Hegseth, praising his performance as Secretary of Defense. Hegseth has dismissed impeachment efforts, describing them as "a farce" and a "stunt."

The Arlington National Cemetery requests that visitors remain quiet and avoid disruptive behavior. Tomb guards, stationed at the site around the clock since 1948, occasionally remind visitors to adhere to these guidelines, as reported by CBS News.