Hegseth decorates the sentinel who shouted at him for laughing next to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery

A video surfaced showing U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reprimanded by a soldier for laughing near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This incident occurred on Veterans Day, shortly after Hegseth narrowly avoided impeachment. The soldier emphasized the need for silence and respect at the memorial. Following the incident, Hegseth awarded the soldier, Specialist Iglesias, for his duty at the tomb. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by the Old Guard, the oldest active infantry unit in the U.S. Army, responsible for its protection since 1948.