Berliner Tageblatt - Arlington sentinel rebukes Pete Hegseth entourage for laughter near memorial

A US Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery instructed members of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s entourage to remain silent after laughter was heard during a Veterans Day visit. Video of the incident showed the sentinel reminding the group that visitors must maintain silence and respect near the memorial. The tomb is guarded continuously by specially selected soldiers who do not wear rank insignia while performing the duty, reflecting the anonymity of those buried there.

Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell said the secretary and the Defense Department respected the sacrifices of US service members. He described the soldier’s reminder about decorum as correct and respectful but did not specify whether Hegseth was among those who had been laughing. The moment occurred hours after the House rejected an effort to impeach Hegseth. The initiative was introduced by outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie but was defeated 211-204, largely along party lines. Eleven House Democrats did not vote on the measure. The cemetery exchange was broadcast during CNN’s Veterans Day coverage.

W.Lapointe--BTB