Arlington guard calls for silence as Hegseth’s group leaves Veterans Day photo stop

An Army sentinel called for silence and respect as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and members of his party left a photo stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on 11 November, according to CNN’s report of the Veterans Day visit.

The group had been taking photographs after a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. CNN reported that some members were talking and laughing as they departed, prompting the guard to stop his patrol and address the visitors.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the sentinel said, according to the report.

The available reporting does not establish who was laughing or whether Hegseth himself made the noise.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the soldier had correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum. He said the defence secretary and the department continued to honour the sacrifices of service members.

The reminder concerned conduct beside the memorial. It does not establish that an individual member of the party was formally disciplined.