Why the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia hold every visitor, regardless of rank or title, to the exact same standard.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia recently made national news during Veterans Day observances on November 11, 2026. During the memorial activities, a group of visitors—including U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth—appeared to be laughing and chatting near the monument. A Tomb Guard then intervened, firmly stating, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!”
Here is footage of the incident:
The Sentinel was simply upholding his duty.
When you look closely at who these guards are and the standard they are sworn to protect, it is easy to see why protocol applies equally to everyone—no matter their rank or title.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
An Unknown Soldier is a military service member who lost their life in combat but whose identity could not be established. Because their name, personal history, and family may never be known, these fallen troops represent every service member who has made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Located at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a national memorial honoring these unidentified American service members. It symbolizes the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of all who serve. As a sacred site, it reminds generations of Americans that every service member’s sacrifice deserves recognition, dignity, and respect—whether their name is known or not.
Guarded around the clock, the Tomb represents one of the nation’s highest military honors and is upheld with the strictest decorum.
The Sentinels
The Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are specially selected U.S. Army soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” Serving as ceremonial guards, their duty is to protect the Tomb, honor the fallen, and preserve their legacy. They maintain a continuous, 24-hour vigil every day of the year, regardless of weather conditions.
Becoming a Sentinel requires an intense selection process, including months of intensive training and demanding tests in military knowledge, uniform preparation, marching precision, and ceremonial duties. Sentinels must demonstrate exceptional discipline, physical endurance, deep historical knowledge of the Tomb, and an unwavering commitment to respect.
Those who qualify earn the Tomb Guard Identification Badge—one of the U.S. Army’s rarest and most respected honors.
The following documentary provides a closer look at what it takes to become a Tomb Guard—and the extraordinary dedication of the soldiers who watch over Arlington’s sacred memorial:
The story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its remarkable Sentinels offers a solemn reminder of the importance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives while answering the call of duty; and the dedication that goes along with honoring their legacy.
