Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday awarded a commendation to the Army sentinel who reprimanded him and his guests for their behavior at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day.
\n\n“We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X with a picture of him awarding Army Spc. Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his action while guarding the site.
\n\nHegseth, his wife, Jennifer, and some of Hegseth’s top aides were taking pictures, talking and laughing in front of the tomb on Wednesday when Iglesias directed them to stop.
\n\n“All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” he shouted.
\n\nHegseth did not acknowledge the reprimand at the time, and looked over his shoulder before continuing to walk up a set of stairs.
\n\nAsked for comment after the incident, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth and the department “have always honored” service members’ sacrifices and praised Iglesias’ actions.
\n\n“While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell said in a statement.
\n\nThe medal Hegseth gave Iglesias is for service members who have “distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/