Pete Hegseth called to silence near the Unknown Soldier at Arlington
The scene occurred as the group was dispersing after a photo session.
Pierre-Louis Crescitz
pete hegseth, soldat, arlington, défense, novembre, maintenir, silence, atmosphère
Key facts
Pete Hegseth and his companions were talking and laughing on Wednesday near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, in the…
The scene occurred as the group was dispersing after a photo session. A loud laugh was heard before the soldier reminded them of the rule of decorum…
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon spokesman, defended the intervention."As we were commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully…
Pete Hegseth and his companions were talking and laughing on Wednesday near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, in the middle of Veterans Day. A soldier on duty then demanded a return to silence.
The scene occurred as the group was dispersing after a photo session. A loud laugh was heard before the soldier reminded them of the rule of decorum imposed at the site.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon spokesman, defended the intervention."As we were commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,"he said. According to him, the reminder came as the department honors the sacrifices of service members.
The Democratic camp quickly reacted to the episode, which occurred on a day of tribute of particular importance to the U.S. military.
Dig deeper
Who is Pete Hegseth?
U.S. Secretary of Defense and former television commentator, he was taking part in the Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington Cemetery.
What is Arlington National Cemetery?
A U.S. military cemetery located in Virginia, near Washington, where veterans are buried and where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands.
What is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
A monument dedicated to American service members who died in combat without being identified; a soldier stands guard there, and silence is required.
Who is Sean Parnell?
Pentagon spokesman and former U.S. Army officer, he defended the call for proper conduct directed at the group.
What is the Pentagon?
Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, which directs the armed forces and was organizing that day's tribute.
Why does this episode matter?
It concerns the respect owed to a military place of remembrance on a solemn day for the armed forces, and it prompted an immediate political reaction.