Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has awarded the soldier who reprimanded him and members of his staff at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier a Joint Service Commendation Medal. https://t.co/GOMBw4WVSr
In Case You Didn't Know.
While on post, a Sentinel from the U.S. Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) exercises absolute post authority over the plaza at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, meaning their orders must be obeyed by all personnel regardless of civilian status or military rank.
Humble yourself. Not to the Guard, but to the locale. The meaning. The tomb. OUR Warriors who lay resting.
It is a solemn place. A place of respect. A place to focus. A place to assess.
No Rank Insignia on the mat: Sentinels wear blank uniforms without rank insignia while walking the mat. This intentional choice symbolizes that they do not outrank the unknown service members resting below, and it clarifies that their authority derives directly from the sacred nature of the post rather than personal rank.