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A Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sentinel told a group that included Pete Hegseth to maintain respect.
During a Veterans Day visit to Arlington National Cemetery, an Army sentinel addressed a group that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Reports say the sentinel urged the group to maintain silence, respect, or decorum.
What the reports agree on
- An Army sentinel addressed a group that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Arlington National Cemetery. ABC News, Newsweek, CBS News, The Hill
- The sentinel told the group to show respect or maintain decorum. ABC News, Newsweek, CBS News, The Hill
- The incident occurred during a Veterans Day visit or event. ABC News, Newsweek, The Hill
- President Donald Trump attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery that day. ABC News, Newsweek, CBS News
Where reports differ
- ABC News reported that a person in the group laughed as it dispersed; Newsweek said the footage did not establish who laughed or whether Hegseth did. ABC News
Reported by one outlet
- Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier correctly and respectfully reminded visitors to maintain decorum. ABC News
- The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2026. ABC News
- The footage showed a small group in dark suits climbing the Memorial Amphitheater steps near the tomb. Newsweek
- Some of Hegseth’s senior staff accompanied him. The Hill
The original reports
- 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
- The Hill Sentinel at Tomb of Unknown Soldier yells at Hegseth group to maintain decorum
- Newsweek Hegseth's Group Warned by Guard Over Conduct at Tomb of Unknown Soldier