Sentinel Reminds Defense Secretary’s Group of Silence at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

On Veterans Day, an important moment unfolded at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Traditionally, silence is observed here as a mark of respect. However, a sentinel on duty had to break this rule on Wednesday afternoon.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his group, gathered near the Tomb, were reminded to maintain silence and pay respect. This reminder followed laughter from the group. CNN captured the exchange on video and broadcasted it around 2:20 p.m. ET, marking it as ‘Moments Ago’.

The video depicted a group in dark suits ascending the marble steps of the Memorial Amphitheater by the Tomb. A sentinel in dress blues, carrying a rifle, was seen walking his post with a wreath positioned nearby.

The identity of the person who laughed was not clear. It was also uncertain if Hegseth was one of those involved in the laughter.

This incident occurred a few hours after Pete Hegseth stood alongside President Donald Trump during the national wreath-laying ceremony. At this time, Hegseth was facing an impeachment push during the week.

Newsweek contacted the Pentagon via email for comment on Wednesday afternoon. For additional information on this story, readers can reach out to Newsweek editors Gabe Whisnant and Dave Siminoff.