A US Army sentinel called for silence after laughter was heard from Pete Hegseth's delegation at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The intervention underscored the Arlington memorial's strict atmosphere of respect and reflection.US Secretary of War Pete HegsethA US Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier appeared to rebuke Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's delegation on Wednesday after laughter could be heard as they climbed the steps of the solemn site, according to a video of the incident.Hegseth, his wife and senior aides could be seen taking pictures and speaking to each other on the steps of the memorial at Arlington National Cemetery following a Veterans Day event.Immediately after the laughter, the sentinel moved toward the group and, from a distance, shouted toward them: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."Sitting at the heart of Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred site and the grave of three unknown American service members, including one from World War One.
It is widely known as a place for mourning and for reflection on military service, and sentinels guard the site 24 hours a day. - Ends