US Defence Secretary reprimanded at Arlington after Veterans Day ceremony

Earlier this week a sentinel reprimanded a party that included US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The reprimand followed a wreath‑laying ceremony marking Veterans Day. After the incident the Pentagon announced that Hegseth has presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias, the soldier who issued the reprimand, with a Joint Service Commendation Medal for “the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”.

BBC correspondent Bernd Debusmann explained that the strict protocol governing visitor behaviour at the tomb is designed to preserve an atmosphere of silence and respect. The tradition dates back to the early 20th century and requires all visitors to stand at attention, remove hats and refrain from talking while the sentinel performs the changing of the guard.

Any breach of these rules, even by high‑ranking officials, is met with a formal reprimand to reinforce the importance of decorum at the site, which is regarded as a symbol of national sacrifice.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Hugo Magalhaes / Pexels.