The interaction took place on Wednesday after defence officials gathered on the steps near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to take photos following a ceremony. Video captured Specialist Thomas Iglesias shouting at the group to maintain silence and respect after chatter and laughter interrupted the sacred space. By Thursday, Hegseth publicly lauded the volunteer sentinel for his vigilance and personally pinned the Joint Service Commendation Medal onto his uniform. Hegseth noted his appreciation for military standards alongside his entourage, which had included his wife and senior staff members.
Key points
Military personnel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are expected to enforce silence reg…: Military personnel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are expected to enforce silence regardless of visitor rank.
Pete Hegseth publicly embraced the reprimand by formally honoring the sentinel's strict a…: Pete Hegseth publicly embraced the reprimand by formally honoring the sentinel's strict adherence to military standards.
Rigorously trained volunteer sentinels continuously guard the memorial to honor fallen an…: Rigorously trained volunteer sentinels continuously guard the memorial to honor fallen and missing personnel from American wars.
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"We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist," US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, praising a soldier for upholding standards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a Veterans Day visit.
WASHINGTON: Pete Hegseth on Thursday (Nov 12) awarded a medal to a US soldier who reprimanded the defence chief and his entourage for laughing and talking near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier the day before.
Hegseth "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 said.
A post on Hegseth's official X account included photos showing him pinning the medal on the soldier's uniform and shaking his hand.
"We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist," text accompanying the photos said.
The tomb, at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, is a sacred burial place of American military personnel killed during World War I, World War II and the Korean War. It also includes an empty site for a Vietnam War soldier in honour of…
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