Guard appears to rebuke Hegseth's delegation at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Immediately after the laughter, the ​sentinel moved toward the group and, from a distance, shouted toward ⁠them: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all ​times.

"Sitting at the heart of Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ​is a sacred site and the grave of three unknown American service members, including one from World War One. It is widely known as a place for mourning and for reflection ​on military service, and sentinels guard the site 24 hours a day.

Read:US House blocks bid to impeach Defence Secretary Hegseth. Asked about ​the incident, which was first reported byCNN, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a ‌statement: "The ⁠Secretary and the entire Department have always honoured —and will always honour — the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.

""While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum," Parnell said. Hegseth, a former ​Army National Guard ​soldier who served ⁠in Iraq, prevailed this week after the House of Representatives rejected a Republican lawmaker's effort to impeach him.

At a rare Pentagon ​press conference on Tuesday hours before the vote, Hegseth called the ​impeachment ⁠effort a farce and defended his record, which includes championing the unpopular Iran war, launching strikes on suspected drug vessels in Latin American waters and firing senior military officers.

Democrats ⁠who ​won control of both chambers of Congress last ​week have promised to investigate Hegseth for his stewardship of the US military and have not ruled ​out another impeachment effort.