Pentagon says no disrespect intended as Democrats weigh renewed impeachment push
A U.S. Army soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier loudly admonished a group of dignitaries that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after some of the visitors were observed laughing and chatting near the memorial on Veterans Day. The episode Wednesday followed a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and it was captured on video.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the incident but said no disrespect was intended. “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,” Parnell said in a statement. “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum.”
Hegseth was standing in front of the tomb and posing for photos with his wife, Jennifer, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver and Tami Radabaugh, a senior adviser. After some members of the group were heard laughing and talking among themselves, the soldier yelled out that visitors should preserve the dignity of the occasion, according to video of the incident.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the Army sentinel yelled after turning to face the departing dignitaries.
The incident came as Democratic lawmakers are discussing whether to renew their push to impeach Hegseth after a new Congress is sworn in next year. A day earlier, Republicans blocked an effort to try to impeach him: the House on Tuesday voted 211 to 204 to refer articles of impeachment proposed by Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky back to the Judiciary Committee for consideration, effectively blocking the effort for now. Massie was the only Republican who sided with Democrats.
The impeachment articles allege that the U.S. war on Iran, waged without a formal declaration of war or congressional approval, is illegal. Massie also accused Hegseth of dismantling a system intended to minimize civilian casualties, noting the Minab school bombing in Iran this year that killed more than 150 people, including dozens of children.
President Trump wrote in a social-media post that the failed attempt to impeach Hegseth should be seen as an exoneration. As debate has escalated over Hegseth’s potential impeachment, the defense secretary has repeatedly cast himself as a defender of the troops.
The soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier around the clock are part of Company E of The Old Guard, officially the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment — the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army. The sentinels volunteer for the duty and, according to an Arlington National Cemetery fact sheet, “must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall for men or 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall for women, with a proportionate weight and build.”
Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas served in The Old Guard for 16 months in 2007 and 2008, an experience he wrote about in his book “Sacred Duty.”