At Arlington, Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded group at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Medal recognizes Iglesias’ conduct
Hegseth presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal on Thursday. Iglesias serves with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, whose members guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier around the clock.
A Pentagon official said the medal recognized Iglesias for carrying out his duties at the tomb on November 11, 2026. Hegseth shared photos on X, including one showing him pinning the medal on Iglesias.
Call for silence at tomb
Iglesias was on duty after a Veterans Day event attended by Hegseth, President Trump and other administration officials. Video showed Hegseth, his wife, his chief of staff and aides posing for photos near the tomb.
Pentagon backs reminder
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department honors the sacrifices of service members. He added that a soldier had “correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum” during the solemn commemoration.
Key points
- Hegseth awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
- Iglesias called for silence and respect after noise near the tomb on Veterans Day.
- The Pentagon said Iglesias correctly reminded visitors to maintain decorum.
- A regiment member said sentinels address the crowd two or three times daily.