Key Takeaways
- The soldier’s rebuke shows that military standards bind everyone, even the secretary of defense.
- Hegseth’s gracious response rewarded duty over deference, affirming the authority of soldiers who uphold sacred obligations.
Thank You, Specialist Thomas Iglesias
by Rich Lowry
The guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier didn’t hesitate to shout his admonition to a group of highfalutin visitors, a sterling example of duty and honor.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awards Army Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal at the Pentagon, November 12, 2026.
Madelyn Keech/U.S. Air Force
The secretary of defense visited the on Veterans Day, and yet the true voice of military authority on this occasion was an Army specialist.
When the group with laughed and began to chatter after taking a photo, the voice of Specialist Thomas Iglesias rang out, “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times!”
About the Author
Rich Lowry is the editor in chief of National Review.
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