Hegseth Honors the Soldier Who Scolded His Entourage at Arlington National Cemetery

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honored a soldier Thursday who publicly reprimanded his entourage for making noise at Arlington National Cemetery a day earlier.

“We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Hegseth wrote on X, sharing photos of himself appearing to pin an award on the soldier. “Carry on Patriots.”

“As shown in the photos, Secretary Hegseth welcomed the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, to the Pentagon where he proudly awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026,” a Pentagon official told The Washington Sun in a statement.

The recognition followed a viral video showing the soldier shouting at members of Hegseth’s group after laughter was heard near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a Veterans Day event Wednesday.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier yelled.

The incident drew criticism of Hegseth, with some accusing the defense secretary and his entourage of disrespecting the solemn memorial.

Hegseth had been posing for photos with his wife, Jennifer, and several senior aides, including his chief of staff, Ricky Buria. It was unclear who was laughing or whether Hegseth had made any noise.

The Pentagon said Wednesday that the soldier had acted appropriately.

“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement.

The confrontation occurred after a wreath-laying ceremony attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded around the clock by members of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, whose sentinels enforce strict standards of silence and respect at the memorial.