A guard shouted at the Pentagon chief, Pete Hegseth, and his entourage after they laughed at one of the most sacred American war memorials.
The officer, a US Army sentinel, barked at Hegseth and his advisers on the steps of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after people in the group were heard laughing.
The awkward encounter unfolded near the dignified memorial at the Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, on Veterans Day yesterday.
Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser and deputy assistant Tami Radabaugh gathered at the memorial for a group picture.
Some in the group laughed and talked casually, prompting a surprise reaction from the patrol guard.
He yelled as the guests were about to leave: ‘All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.’
The guard, who has not been publicly named, was acknowledged for his actions by the Pentagon chief spokesperson, Sean Parnell.
He said: ‘The Secretary and the entire Department have always honoured, and will always honour, the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.
‘While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.’
Hegseth, 46, was roasted online for the blunder after posting a picture of himself and his wife at the memorial.
In response, one commentator posted a picture of the notice at the Arlington Cemetery reminding visitors of ‘silence and respect.’
Donald Trump used part of his speech at the memorial to defend the US war against Iran, which the country started with Israel in February.
After honouring American veterans, Trump said: ‘America did not start a war with Iran. Iran has been waging war in America since 1979. This should have been taken care of a long time ago.’
The US president, who has not served in the military, mentioned the death toll that mounted in the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, saying the country ‘got very little from any of these wars.’
What is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is considered one of the most holy memorials in the US.
It is located in the Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of the country’s presidents and war heroes.
The memorial was erected on top of the grave of three unknown American soldiers.
One of them served in the First World War, another in the Second World War and a third soldier in the Korean campaign.
Every year, a memorial is held near the grave to mark Veterans Day on November 11, which coincides with the UK Remembrance Day.
It is guarded around the clock by a Tomb Guard known as The Old Guard, who follows a strict routine when watching the tomb, including carefully measured steps, waiting and turns on the adjacent mat.
The changing of the guard takes place every day throughout the year.
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