Hegseth's group admonished at Tomb of the Unknowns during Veterans Day visit
Someone in the group laughed after a group photo, causing the reaction.
A sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknowns barked a request for a group of people including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to be silent after they had posed for a photo at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day.
The incident was captured on the live network pool feed located at the tomb for the earlier wreath-laying ceremony carried out by President Donald Trump.
All visitors at the area surrounding the Tomb of the Unknowns are supposed to maintain a reverent silence while there. U.S. Army Tomb sentinels maintain a 24-hour watch at the tomb and strictly enforce that order.
In the incident that occurred around 12:30 p.m., a group including Hegseth and his wife Jennifer posed for a photo on the steps in front of the tomb area. As the group broke up, someone can be heard audibly laughing which prompted the sentinel on duty to turn and admonish the group.
Standing at attention, the sentinel barked, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."
Visitors to the cemetery are asked to "speak quietly so that your experience does not distract or disturb other visitors." The sentinel's command would be the same one issued to anyone who breaks decorum.
The Pentagon's top spokesman praised the soldier for doing his job after ABC News asked about the incident.
"The Secretary and the entire Department have always honored -- and will always honor -- the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. "While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum."
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