Before being rebuked, Hegseth, his wife and some advisers posed for a photo in front of the tomb at Arlington National Cemetery, as per POLITICO [1]. According to the BBC, the group was laughing and talking while posing for photographs — prompting the sentinel to approach and reprimand the offenders [2]. "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times," the sentinel called out as the secretary and his group walked up the steps leading away from the memorial [1].
Footage uploaded on social media showed Hegseth apparently looking back at the sentinel before continuing to walk away. The sentinel's rebuke took place after President Donald Trump participated in the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the same site earlier in the day, according to the reports [2].
Incident and Immediate Response
The group had been attending official events at the 73rd National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery before the photographs were taken.
War Department spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement that “the Secretary and the entire Department have always honored – and will always honor – the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe” [2]. Parnell added that "a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum" while the group was commemorating the solemn day [2].
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Sentinel Protocol
The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, seven days a week by sentinels from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army, traditionally known as "The Old Guard" [3]. Members of the Old Guard "walk the mat" with honed precision in an endless cycle of steps and pauses, according to accounts of their rituals [3].
Arlington Arch Controversy
The legal challenges add to a broader debate over construction and conduct at the cemetery, which is administered by the U.S. Department of the Army, one of three military departments under the War Department [3]. The Trump administration is planning to build a triumphal arch standing 250 feet – representing America's 250th independence – near the cemetery entrance, a proposal met with opposition.
More than 400,000 veterans are buried in Arlington National Cemetery, according to POLITICO [1]. Several veterans of the Vietnam War opposed the arch, pointing out that it would dishonor their military service and the legacy of those buried on the cemetery's grounds [1].
Hegseth Defense and Legal Filings
The family of President John F. Kennedy sued to block the arch's erection on Tuesday, Nov. 10. It argued that the structure would cast a shadow over the Kennedy family's memorial [1]. The governments of Virginia state and the District of Columbia also sued, arguing that the construction of the arch would bring about years of disruption and costs [1].
Hegseth – a U.S. Army veteran and former Fox News host – has defended the arch construction in court filings as "a generational national defense opportunity" [1]. The arch, he noted, would be used to counter drones and other aerial systems [1].
References
- Sentinel scolds Hegseth and aides to show respect at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. https://www.politico.com/news/2026/11/11/sentinel-scolds-hegseth-tomb-unknown-soldier-01161828
- Hegseth and team reprimanded by Army guard at solemn war memorial. https://bbc.com/news/articles/cmvg2r3dq7xno
- The Unknowns. Patrick K ODonnell
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