Defense secretary’s group was laughing, chatting after taking photos at memorial

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth got a sharp reminder about decorum on Wednesday at one of the nation’s most solemn sites. While at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day for a ceremony where President Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Hegseth, his wife, and senior aides were chatting and laughing after taking photos in front of the tomb, prompting an on-duty sentinel to call out, “All visitors will maintain atmospheric silence and respect at all times,” NBC News reports. Hegseth did not visibly respond and kept walking up nearby steps.

Hegseth was with his wife, Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser and deputy assistant Tami Radabaugh, CNN reports. Asked about the exchange, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth and the department “have always honored” the military’s sacrifices. “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell said. The tomb, considered one of the most sacred war memorials in the US, has been guarded around the clock by soldiers from the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment since 1948, reports the AP.

Rob Quinn, Newser