Hegseth Awards a Medal to the Tomb Sentinel Who Scolded His Group: ‘We Love Soldiers. We Love Standards.’
War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday gave a military medal to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sentinel who publicly scolded Hegseth’s group for laughing at the tomb on Veterans Day.
Hegseth welcomed members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, to the Pentagon, where he “proudly awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026,” a Pentagon official told Fox News Digital.
“We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Hegseth wrote on social media, CNN reported. “Carry on Patriots.”
The Joint Service Commendation Medal recognizes service members who distinguish themselves through meritorious achievement or service, typically in joint military operations or activities, according to Fox News.
What Happened at the Tomb
Hegseth, his wife, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh were taking photos in front of the tomb after Wednesday’s Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery when some in the group were heard laughing and chatting, CNN reported.
Iglesias, who was walking his post, stopped and faced the group.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” he called out, according to CNN. The moment was captured on live television and went viral, the Washington Examiner reported.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said afterward that the soldier “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Fox News reported. Parnell added that Hegseth and “the entire Department have always honored-and will always honor-the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.”
A Sentinel’s Job
Correcting loud visitors is expected of the sentinels and is not unprecedented, CNN noted. Soldiers from the Old Guard have guarded the tomb around the clock since 1948, and politicians, foreign dignitaries and other visitors frequently come to pay their respects.
The award comes as Hegseth faces renewed pressure from Democrats. A coalition of outgoing and incoming House Democrats told Fox News Digital it intends to pursue impeachment proceedings against him once the party takes control of the House in January.
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