Image source: AFP via Getty Images
The Pentagon announced its support for a US Army guard who rebuked a group that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at Arlington National Cemetery.
A video from Wednesday's Veterans Day ceremony showed Hegseth, his wife, and his senior advisors laughing and talking while taking photos in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The footage showed the guard on duty approaching the group and shouting: “All visitors must remain silent and respectful at all times.”
The Pentagon's chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, said in a statement: "While marking this solemn occasion, a soldier properly and respectfully reminded everyone of the need to adhere to the etiquette of the place."
He added: "The Secretary and the entire Department of Defense have always honored, and will always continue to honor, the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces to keep America safe."
Arlington National Cemetery's rules of conduct ask visitors to speak in a low voice and refrain from any disrespectful or disruptive behavior.
The grave, which is considered one of the most sacred military memorials in the country, contains the remains of an unknown soldier killed in World War I.
A member of the 3rd Infantry Regiment guards the grave around the clock, in a tradition that has continued since 1948.
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According to CBS News, the US partner of the BBC, it is not unusual for guards to alert site visitors to the need to adhere to the rules of conduct, as they are reported to do this a few times a day.
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Earlier, President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, along with other senior officials, attended the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery.
During his speech at the ceremony, Trump expressed his gratitude to the members of the armed forces who fought for the country. He also praised what he saw as the success of his administration in the war against Iran.
“Under this administration, the time has come, someone responded. We all responded,” he said.
Speaking about the war on Iran, he added: “And we won. The issue is only related to when we want to end it. We want to ensure a complete victory, not a 93 percent victory.”
Trump singled out Hegseth during the ceremony, saying he had done a "fantastic job" in his position as Secretary of Defense.
Trump repeatedly defended Hegseth, in light of Democratic representatives' efforts to impeach him. On Tuesday, an attempt in Congress to remove the Minister of Defense failed, against the backdrop of accusations of waging war on Iran without authorization from Congress.
Hegseth had described attempts to remove him as a "farce" and a "show trick."
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