At 12:29 on Veterans Day, a soldier standing watch at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier had to do something the sentinels rarely do. As the secretary of defense, his wife, and members of his staff had been taking turns posing for pictures with the Tomb behind them, the sentinel had to loudly address the group by saying the following: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.” What stays with me is that first word, “all.” Even when the visitor is the man who oversees the entire American military, the soldier on duty has a responsibility to the people buried there. Pete Hegseth knew where he was. The Pentagon’s spokesman released a statement and said the sentinel had done exactly what he should.
Across the river, the House made a decision that will get far less attention than those pictures. Roughly 54,000 combat-injured military retirees stand to gain benefits under the bill the House passed, an expansion that has support from both parties. What was not publicized is that these benefits are coming as a result of cutting benefits for other conditions. That is the trade Congress put into H.R. 9237. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has asked lawmakers to find another way. It still has to go to the Senate, and House Democrats are expected to bring forward a version that would expand the retirees’ benefits without reducing them for other veterans.
The obligations we took on when we asked those families to serve do not end when the ceremony does. Dwight Eisenhower understood that when he broadened Armistice Day in 1954. He asked Americans to honor everyone who had served and to work for a peace worthy of their sacrifices.
See the full story in the video.
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This video is based on my written post, available HERE, and based on the events of 11-11-2026.
This commentary represents my personal opinions and analysis of matters of public concern, informed by publicly available information. Any references to individuals constitute opinion and commentary protected under the First Amendment.
Sources:
Sentinel Yells at Group Near Secretary Hegseth for Silence & Respect; C-SPAN Video
President Trump Participates in the 2026 National Veterans Day Ceremony: YouTube Video
https://www.whio.com/news/politics/house-approves-bill/JNAOQMSQHE4QNH3ZTL23MZQNQM/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/trump-says-towering-arch-wants-183107392.html
https://www.gpb.org/news/2026/11/11/democrat-scott-colom-wins-mississippi-senate-race
