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Hegseth’s group was reminded to keep quiet at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and he later awarded the sentinel a medal.
During Veterans Day events at Arlington National Cemetery, an Army sentinel told Pete Hegseth’s group to maintain silence and respect near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after people in the group laughed while taking photos. Hegseth later awarded the sentinel, Specialist Thomas Iglesias, the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
What the reports agree on
- An Army sentinel told Hegseth’s group to maintain silence and respect near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. France24, ABC News, Newsweek, CBS News and 3 more
- The incident happened during Veterans Day events at Arlington National Cemetery. France24, ABC News, Newsweek, CBS News and 2 more
- Hegseth later awarded the sentinel a medal. Newsweek, CBS News, The Hill, Guardian World
- The sentinel serves with the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard. Newsweek, CBS News, Guardian World, Al Jazeera
Reported by one outlet
- ABC News reported that the incident happened around 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2026. ABC News
- The Hill reported that Hegseth hosted the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment at the Pentagon. The Hill
- Guardian World reported that Donald Trump and JD Vance attended the ceremony and laid wreaths at the memorial. Guardian World
The original reports
- 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
- Al Jazeera Hegseth entourage reprimanded by guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Al Jazeera Hegseth scolded by security at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier