Reprimanding the US Secretary of Defense and his companions during a visit to the grave of the “Unknown Soldier”.. What is the story?
The ranger stopped his patrol to ask for silence and respect from Hegseth and his aides after they laughed near the memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Quick Look
A US soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier rebuked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a group of his senior advisers after they laughed and talked near the memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, following a Veterans Day ceremony also attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most important war memorials in the United States, housing the remains of an unknown soldier killed during World War I. Since 1948, soldiers from the Old Guard (3rd Infantry Regiment) have been guarding the grave around the clock and in all weather conditions.
An American soldier guarding the tomb of the “Unknown Soldier” rebuked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a group of his senior advisors on Wednesday. This occurred after some members of the group laughed and talked near the memorial, following a ceremony held on the occasion of Veterans Day.
“All visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the guard chanted, pausing his patrol to address the group directly as they left.
Hegseth was standing in front of the grave to take pictures with his wife, Jennifer, his chief of staff, Ricky Boria, his deputy chief of staff, Patrick Weaver, and senior advisor and assistant, Representative Tammy Radabaugh, following the ceremony that was held at Arlington National Cemetery.
When some members of the group started laughing and talking after they finished taking pictures, the soldier - who was patrolling in front of the grave - alerted them loudly.
CNN requested a comment from the Pentagon about the incident.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most important war memorials in the United States. It contains the remains of an unknown soldier who was killed during World War I.
Since 1948, soldiers from the “Old Guard” (3rd Infantry Regiment) have guarded the grave around the clock, in all weather conditions.
The grave is often visited by prominent foreign figures, presidents, public figures, and politicians. This is in appreciation and honor of members of the American Armed Forces.
Hegseth and his team were at Arlington Cemetery to attend a ceremony in which President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance also participated.
Open Questions
- Did the US Department of Defense issue an official comment on the incident after CNN's request?
- Have you taken any disciplinary action against any members of the Defense Minister's group?
