Secretary of War Pete Hegseth drew heavy criticism after his entourage was told to be quiet during a visit to Arlington on Wednesday. On Thursday, he decided to award the guard a medal. However, social media has erupted with even more criticism of Hegseth, with some calling for his resignation.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth found himself in an unusual situation during a Veterans Day visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 11. Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, and several members of his team had visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Virginia.
As the group was leaving the memorial, a soldier standing guard decided to act after hearing laughter. He loudly reminded them that visitors were expected to remain silent and respectful, saying, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!”
Footage of the moment quickly attracted attention, with many questioning the group’s behavior at one of America’s most sacred military memorials.
Following the incident, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell broke the silence, making clear that the soldier had acted appropriately by reminding visitors of the rules.
On social media, fans showed their anger. Unfortunately, things have not improved for Hegseth since. An unexpected development followed on Thursday. On Thursday, November 12, Hegseth welcomed members of the Army’s Old Guard to the Pentagon.
Among them was Specialist Thomas Iglesias, the soldier who had addressed Hegseth’s group at Arlington. Hegseth personally presented Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal in recognition of his performance during the previous day’s Veterans Day ceremony.
Pete Hegseth sparks anger with medal ceremony for guard who yelled at him
Pete Hegseth marked the occasion by sharing pictures of the medal ceremony on social media. He captioned the pictures, “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist. Carry on Patriots.”
But the photos quickly backfired. Social media users showed their anger with Pete Hegseth, as many believed the damage was already done.
“You are a disgrace to the heroic men and women of our military. Resign,” one user wrote.
“Soldiers can’t stand you traitor. YOU were so effing disrespectful at one of our country’s most sacred sites that he had to break away from his duties to shut you up. Disgusting and disgraceful,” a second wrote.
A third claimed, “You love using them as cannon fodder. You don’t give a shit about the soldiers or Americans. Your a religious fanatic and a Zionist lackey. Not to mention dumb as hell. Never have I seen a less qualified person in your position.”
“A publicity stunt by someone whose job is in jeopardy.” a fourth said, while a fifth added, “A photo op to save face. You’re disgusting . Resign.”
A sixth wrote, “As if handing out medals will make up for you being a national disgrace.”
Thoughts on this? Please share your opinion in the comments section.
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