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Hegseth awarded a medal to the soldier who reminded his group to maintain silence and respect at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
During a Veterans Day visit to Arlington National Cemetery, Army Specialist Thomas Iglesias told Hegseth’s group to maintain silence and respect near the tomb after people in the group were heard laughing and taking photos. Hegseth later presented Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
What the reports agree on
- Iglesias reminded Hegseth’s group to maintain silence and respect near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. CBS News, Newsweek, The Hill, PBS NewsHour and 1 more
- Hegseth awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal. CBS News, Newsweek, PBS NewsHour, Guardian World
- The incident took place at Arlington National Cemetery during Veterans Day events. CBS News, France24, ABC News, Newsweek and 2 more
- The group was near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier when Iglesias addressed them. CBS News, France24, ABC News, Newsweek and 3 more
Reported by one outlet
- The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2026. ABC News
- The tomb holds the remains of unidentified U.S. service members from World War I, World War II and the Korean War. PBS NewsHour
- The Joint Service Commendation Medal recognizes meritorious achievement or service in a specified activity. Guardian World
- A member of the regiment said in a 2022 Army interview that sentinels respond to the crowd two or three times per day. CBS News
The original reports
- CBS News Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded his party at Arlington's scared tomb
- CBS News Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded his party at Arlington's sacred tomb
- PBS NewsHour Hegseth presents award to soldier who scolded him and his aides at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Guardian World Pete Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded him near Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Newsweek Hegseth Awards Medal to Soldier Who Rebuked Him at Tomb of Unknown Soldier
- CBS News Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded group near tomb
- The Hill Sentinel at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier awarded medal by Hegseth
- France24 US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reprimanded at war memorial
- CBS News Pentagon reacts after Hegseth's party was reprimanded at Arlington over laughing near sacred tomb
- ABC News Hegseth's group admonished at Tomb of the Unknowns during Veterans Day visit
- CBS News Hegseth's group asked by soldier to maintain respect at Arlington National Cemetery