Guard tells US Defence Secretary Hegseth to stay silent at Arlington Cemetery
A soldier at Arlington Cemetery corrected Defence Secretary Hegseth's group for breaking silence during Veterans Day ceremonies.
During Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery, Pete Hegseth, his wife and several others posed for photos near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Some members of the party spoke and laughed briefly.
The soldier on duty immediately said: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." The video was taken during an official ceremony attended by President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum. He did not say who in the group made the noise.
The incident followed an impeachment attempt against Hegseth in the House over military strikes Democrats said broke Congressional authority.
- 243 people
- Deaths in military strikes
- Sean Parnell
- Pentagon spokesman
- Thomas Massie
- Impeachment led by
Why it mattersThe incident raises questions about respect for special military spaces and comes as Hegseth faces ongoing political pressure.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though the Defence Secretary's conduct at a key US military site matters for US-Australia defence relations.
Corroborated byThe Guardian
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
