Pete Hegseth just got yelled at by a U.S. Army soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after his entourage started laughing and talking at one of America's most sacred military memorials. On Veterans Day, of all days. CBS News and NBC News report that Hegseth was visiting Arlington National Cemetery with his wife and several senior aides. As the group posed for photographs, laughter from within the party grew loud enough to catch the attention of the soldier standing guard. The sentinel turned toward the visitors and shouted: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times." It was a striking scene: the civilian official overseeing America’s military had his party reminded by a soldier on duty about how to conduct itself at a memorial honoring those who died in service to the country. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier commemorates unidentified American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. A continuous military watch has been maintained there since 1948, enduring severe storms, freezing conditions and national emergencies. Silence and reverence are required of every visitor. Cabinet rank confers no exemption. The Pentagon subsequently backed the sentinel, acknowledging that he had appropriately reminded the group to observe proper decorum. The embarrassing episode occurred one day after Hegseth survived an impeachment push. The Republican-controlled House voted 211-204 to derail an effort focused on his handling of the Iran war and other military operations. Trump has continued to praise Hegseth’s leadership, The soldier on guard demonstrated a straightforward understanding of military duty. His responsibility was to protect the solemnity of the memorial, and he enforced a standard that applies to everyone who visits it. He did his job without regard for the titles of the people standing before him.