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Hegseth awards medal to soldier who reprimanded him and aides at Arlington Cemetery
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias a Joint Service Commendation Medal for his actions at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026.
- Iglesias reprimanded Hegseth and members of his staff for laughing and chatting near the tomb, reminding them to maintain silence and respect.
- The incident occurred after a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, where the group was taking photos in front of the tomb.
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a highly respected war memorial guarded 24/7 by soldiers from The Old Guard, who are responsible for ensuring decorum is maintained.
- Pentagon officials praised Iglesias for his respectful and correct enforcement of the tomb's solemn atmosphere.
