Hegseth gives medal to guard who told his group to be quiet
The Pentagon says the defence secretary honoured Specialist Thomas Iglesias, days after an impeachment effort against him failed in Congress.
Key points
- Pete Hegseth awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal to Specialist Thomas Iglesias
- The guard had told Hegseth's group to be quiet at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- The Pentagon said the soldier correctly reminded visitors to maintain decorum
- An impeachment effort against Hegseth failed on Capitol Hill on Tuesday
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has given a military medal to the soldier who told his group to be quiet at Arlington National Cemetery. According to the BBC, the Pentagon announced the award in a statement. The soldier, Specialist Thomas Iglesias, is a member of the guard unit that watches over the tomb.
Footage of a Veterans Day gathering held on Wednesday captured Hegseth, his spouse and top aides chatting and laughing. The group was standing before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where they were having their pictures taken. The guard then stepped towards the group and asked visitors to keep a respectful silence. The tomb honours an unknown soldier killed in World War I.
The medal and the Pentagon response
The Pentagon said Hegseth presented Iglesias with a Joint Service Commendation Medal for carrying out his duties at the tomb. Photos posted on Hegseth’s X account show the ceremony. The department named others in the party as personnel from the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the Old Guard.
Hegseth’s post included a short message praising soldiers and congratulating the specialist. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell later said the soldier had acted correctly and respectfully while the department was marking a solemn day. He added that the department would always honour the sacrifices made by military personnel.
Rules at the tomb
The guard unit has watched over the tomb around the clock since 1948. According to CBS News, which the BBC cites as its US partner, guards often remind visitors to behave respectfully. They reportedly do this several times a day. Cemetery etiquette asks visitors to speak quietly and avoid disorderly conduct.
Wider political context
Earlier at the cemetery, President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and other senior officials attended the annual wreath-laying ceremony. Trump praised service members and said his administration had succeeded in the Iran war. He also complimented Hegseth’s work leading the Pentagon, describing it as outstanding.
Hegseth has received repeated public backing from Trump, even as Democrats seek to impeach him. A push to remove him, based on claims that he conducted military action against Iran without approval from Congress, came to nothing at the Capitol on Tuesday. Hegseth has described the impeachment push as a farce and a stunt.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Pete Hegseth give a medal to a soldier?
The Pentagon said Hegseth awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias a Joint Service Commendation Medal, citing his work at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The soldier had asked Hegsethu0026#039;s group to be quiet during a Veterans Day event.
What happened at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
Video showed Hegseth, his wife and advisers laughing and posing for photos before the guard told them to keep silent. The Pentagon later confirmed the medal award.
Is it common for guards to correct visitors at the tomb?
According to CBS News, guards at the tomb reportedly remind visitors to behave respectfully a few times a day. The guard unit has stood watch at the site since 1948.
Sources
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