Politics
Pete Hegseth pins a medal on the tomb guard who shushed his entourage on Veterans Day
One day after a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier barked at his group for laughing, Pete Hegseth honored him with a commendation medal.
The sentinel who called out Pete Hegseth's group at Arlington's most solemn memorial now has a medal from the defense secretary himself.
On Thursday, Hegseth presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Iglesias serves in the elite honor guard that watches over the tomb.
What Hegseth said
Hegseth posted a photo of the ceremony online. "We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots," he wrote.
A defense official said Hegseth invited members of the Army unit nicknamed the Old Guard to the Pentagon for the event. The medal recognized how Iglesias carried out his duties at the tomb on November 11, 2026.
The moment that went viral
The honor came one day after Iglesias raised his voice at Hegseth and his staff. Members of the group had been laughing on the steps close to the memorial.
Video of the exchange spread quickly online. In it, the sentinel shouts, "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!"
About the guards
Old Guard soldiers keep watch at the tomb around the clock. They wear no military insignia on their uniforms so they mirror the unknown service members laid to rest there.
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