Soldier who admonished Hegseth's group at Arlington Cemetery is awarded a medal
A sentinel who admonished Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's group for laughing after taking photos at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery was summoned to the Pentagon on Thursday and awarded a medal.
The soldier, Spc. Thomas Iglesias, was decorated by Hegseth himself, who posted photos of him pinning the Joint Service Commendation Medal on Iglesias' chest and shaking his hand.
According to the U.S. Army, the Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by meritorious achievement or service while assigned to a joint military staff, activity, or agency.
The incident occurred after a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony that included President Donald Trump. Hegseth, his wife Jennifer and other officials posed for a photo on the steps in front of the tomb area.
As the group broke up, someone could be heard laughing, which prompted the sentinel on duty to turn and admonish the group with the standard phrase: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.” The incident was captured on video.
Sentinels issue the same command to anyone who breaks decorum at the tomb. Visitors to the cemetery are asked to speak quietly so that their experience does not distract or disturb other visitors.
The sentinels, ceremonial soldiers in formal dress uniforms, maintain a 24-hour watch at the tomb and strictly enforce that order at ground broadly hailed as some of the most sacred in the country.
The Pentagon's top spokesman, Sean Parnell, praised the soldier for doing his job after ABC News asked about the incident on Wednesday. “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,” Parnell said. “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”
