WASHINGTON: A US military guard was seen loudly reprimanding Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his group on Veterans Day, after they laughed and chatted near a sacred tomb at Arlington National Cemetery.
Video circulated widely on US networks and social media showed Hegseth and a group reportedly including his senior advisers gathering to take photos on Wednesday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, after a Veterans Day ceremony that featured President Donald Trump.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” a US Army sentinel yelled loudly, after laughter and chatter could be heard.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred burial ground for American soldiers who were killed during World War I, World War II and the Korean War. It also includes an empty burial site for a Vietnam War soldier, in honour of missing soldiers who died in service to their country.
CNN identified the group taking photos on the steps near the tomb with Hegseth as his wife Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told NBC News that Hegseth and the department “have always honoured” the sacrifices of the military.
“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell said.
Democrats were quick to react to the defence secretary’s gaffe on a sacred day for the US military.
“Pete Hegseth continues to demonstrate his utter lack of fitness for his office. One day after narrowly avoiding impeachment, he shows his contempt for our men and women in uniform by disrespecting the sanctity of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” congresswoman Gwen Moore of Wisconsin posted on X.