A US Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a group of his senior advisers Wednesday after some in the group laughed and talked near the solemn memorial following a Veterans Day ceremony.
“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the sentinel called out, stopping his patrol to face the group as they departed.
Jerk didn’t even seem to care. I bet he turns around and tries to get the Sentinel reprimanded.
If it were out on the street or in a McDonald’s or whatever, and a soldier demanded people shut up, they’d be in the wrong.
But it was at the Arlington National Cemetery, on hallowed grounds. There are signs all over directing visitors (INCLUDING CIVILIANS) to conduct themselves with quiet dignity.
The military is not “subservient” to civilians. They’re not beneath us. They deserve the same respect as anyone else. You wouldn’t laugh and make noise at anyone else’s hallowed place.