Arlington sentinel schools Hegseth, wife about decorum

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth got a lesson in military discipline on Veterans Day — from a soldier whose job is to stand guard over the country’s war dead.

An Army sentinel at Arlington National Cemetery loudly reprimanded Hegseth and his entourage after they were heard laughing and chatting while gathering for photographs near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Wednesday.

“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!” the sentinel barked, as laughter and conversation could be heard in a video that quickly circulated on US television networks and social media.

Hegseth was at the cemetery following a Veterans Day ceremony attended by President Donald Trump. The group reportedly included his wife, Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and senior adviser Tami Radabaugh.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is among the most solemn sites in the United States, honoring unidentified American service members who died in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. It also has an empty burial site commemorating missing service members from the Vietnam War.

The Pentagon sought to play down the incident, with chief spokesperson Sean Parnell saying Hegseth and the department had “always honored” the sacrifices of military personnel.

“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell told NBC News.

Democrats, however, were less forgiving.

“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,” Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore posted on X.

Apparently, even the Pentagon chief is not exempt from a dressing-down when the sentry is on duty.