At 12:29 today, right after Donald Trump left the Veterans Day memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery, Pete Hegseth, his wife, and the rest of his entourage walked down the steps toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Over the few minutes they were there, they took turns posing for pictures with each other, framing the Tomb in the background. They smiled, laughed, and appeared to be having a truly wonderful time disrespecting one of the most sacred sites in our entire country. Their behavior also caught the attention of a sentinel, a member of The Old Guard on duty guarding the Tomb, who, under strict orders to enforce the decorum required at such a sacred place, loudly admonished the entire group in a very stern voice: “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times.”
Thank you Heather. Arlington National Cemetery is this nation’s most hallowed ground.
Inscribed on the marble sarcophagus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the back or west side are these words,
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God"
On the front or east side are three carved figures representing, “Peace, Victory, Valor”.
Have seen bus loads of 12 year olds standing and watching the sentinel take those precise 21 steps. The Old Guard, who are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, no matter the weather. Those children behaved with respect, reverence and dignity as to what they are witnessing and what the memorial means. Standing silent, could hear a pin drop. No talking, heads bowed, as to what this marble sarcophagus means…
Have witnessed school children stand near that “eternal flame” that was lit by Jacqueline Kennedy at JFK’s gravesite. Quiet and reserved, very little talking.
Respect is not only how we behave at a sacred place; it is how we treat veterans every day, including whether they can access the healthcare and support they were promised.
There’s absolutely no respect, or honor given to any military member by anyone in this administration.. whether the military personnel are alive or deceased… Karma has no menu. You get served what you deserve.
I'm sure the busloads of kids get coaching (or admonishing) from their teachers and chaperones before they enter the memorial. Maybe the Defense Secretary needs a chaperone to remind him how he should behave in public?
Apparently so, it’s just the non-stop disrespect, no regard for anyone, even those who no longer can fight back, it’s the ugliness not just to the fallen and all veterans but to each and everyone of us, the hubris day after day, continuously… We all voted even shouted we have had enough yet they still don’t get it and seem to continue to get worse… Seems we all need a sentinel to yell reminders..
Hegseth and his group are a disgusting excuse for human beings - no class or honour amongst any of them!!! Along with a revolting President who used a solemn occasion to promote himself and grift. All of these including the Republicans who then voted to reduce Veterans benefits by a voice vote so their names couldn't be recorded should be shamed and removed from their positions.. The USA is becoming a pathetic joke in the world.
Wonderful column, Heather. The Democrats who missed the impeachment vote have some serious explaining to do. Shame on Nancy Pelosi for being in California to receive some award that could've easily waited until after 1/3/27. I hope that every one of those who somehow couldn't anticipate bad traffic in DC is “primaried” in 2028. I know that a couple were dealing with health issues, but one of them managed to defy doctor’s orders to show up to vote anyway. Jeffries & Schumer must go. Total inability to meet the moment. No more “go along to get along!”
Heather- You are so correct in your observations. My wife and I visited Normandy and the site of the D-Day landings two years ago. It was a beautiful September Saturday and, while tourists were abundant, I was struck by the respect and solemnity of the occasion. We both commented on how quiet such a large mass of people were.
I think people like Hegseth and Trump suffer from a psychological disorder (I’m sure there is a specific term for it) that I call an empathy gap. They are unable to feel any emotion toward people who they don’t know personally. Imagine if Hegseth had a close relative or friend who had been killed in a war. He wouldn’t have taken photos and laughed as he did yesterday. And it’s also why he doesn’t lose a minute of sleep over bombing a school in Iran or blowing up fishermen in the Caribbean. Feelings of regret, guilt, etc., never cross his mind.
Heather, the behaviour of the orange Hitler and Hegseth at your Veterans Day remembrance is absolutely disgraceful. They showed absolutely no respect on such a solemn occasion. We in the UK have just commerated Remembrance Sunday, when thousands of Veterans marched past the Cenotaph. I remember a few years ago that Michael Foot, leader of the Labour Party, was criticised for wearing a BROWN donkey jacket. Also, the stepson of a pop star climbed up the Cenotaph and had the gall to say “I didn't know what it was for”. If he didn't, then he was the only one who didn't. Roll on January when the Democrats take control of the Senate and Congress.
Thank you Heather, I have been to Arlington National Cemetery, watched the changing of the guard. In a large crowd of people we stood silently feeling the sacredness of this honor of the many who served. It remains one of my most favorite places I visited with my siblings during our 12 day visit to Washington DC and Arlington. Thank you for this post on Veterans Day, many of my family have served in military service, my dad in WWII.
Hegseth is an ignorant abhorrent poor excuse for a human being let alone for a Secretary of Defense.
He violated the sanctity of that revered place to take photos of himself and his entourage laughing and smiling with such complete disrespect it was nauseating.
The soldier who did his DUTY to stop their disgraceful behavior should be honored.
Hegseth should have personally apologized to him and the NATION but of course he will do and say nothing.
We won’t have to concern ourselves much longer with him…he will be gone in January and it will be good riddance to such foul rubbish.
Congratulations to Scott Colom for successfully defeating another piece of rubbish in Mississippi ..the hateful woman who blocked him from a Federal judgeship..who ran a dirty campaign against him…who once proudly likened an event to happily occupying the first row at a hanging…that hate- filled b*tch will now be surrendering her seat in the Senate to HIM….KARMA of the first order.
We’re going to be experiencing a lot more of these Karma moments..it’s the universe speaking ..showing all that good will always triumph over evil…that wrongs WILL be righted and that those who try and break all the rules for their own selfish greedy advantage will always get just what they deserve…maybe not immediately but always eventually.
In this great communist country of ours, we get letters twice a year with timing of our flu and Covid injections which are of course free And administered at our local doctor surgery where we are also checked as oldsters to see if we’ve had a shingles injection-younger people can get a flu jab for a nominal sum. After we’ve had our injections, we of course all go out singing the internationale, Actually, we don’t as Wales is part of the UK so we sing the red flag. We then get our spades and rakes and march off to the local collective where we plant the turnips which we will eat raw during the winter months. Good wishes to our comrades in America, Joe Hill was a good friend of ours
Thank you Heather, the tears began after the initial section and have kept flowing as I read the poignant comments. I have never been to DC and would like to make a personal commitment to visit the honored monuments once it is free from bondage. I will think of you while I am there and all of the moments you have shared here in this little Substack. I appreciate your words, your experiences and your deep, deep respect for our Veterans 😊
It makes you wonder if they all sit around wondering what boundary they can push next to see how far they can go Nothing this administration has done has benefited anyone except themselves and I mean nothing
All the money squandered on wars ballrooms and arches could have been channeled into making everyone’s lives easier not least the veterans How dare they cut and squeeze budgets that affect people who need the support of a ‘grateful nation’ how hollow are the words ‘thank you for your service’
In the U.K. our support for veterans is not much better and that too is shameful
How so very disappointing that Democratic representatives - on what we were looking to as a the start of a new dawn faltered at the first step This isn’t a game this is the country fighting for its political life They had the opportunity to make the first inroads let’s hope come January things will accelerate
I expect even Trump will see what a liability Hegseth has become - not in the job he is doing but in creating bad press for DJT and I would anticipate him not being fired merely being moved to another position
Democrats gird your loins we need you to prepare and to fight with all the backbone and determination that serving service personnel and veterans exhibit
I am sure the sentinels have had to straighten out a few boisterous children and other ignoramuses over the decades but that a group of adults who are supposedly leaders and the Secretary of Defense is beyond comprehension
I’m not going to waste any words on Hegseth and Trump. We all know what they are like. This will be a reflection on my fellow veterans, as well as the spouses who supported them in their service.
I served 24 years in the Air Force and my wife was there for the last 22 years of that time. She endured the stateside and overseas moves, my absences while doing temporary duty somewhere, and the sometimes substandard housing. My wife was an adult when we married and I was able to explain some of what she would face.
On November 11th, I keep coming back to a few weeks during Desert Storm when my wife was having medical issues and we had several appointments at Walter Reed hospital in Washington. This was at the worst of Desert Storm when so many men and women were coming home severely injured. I saw young women who maybe a year before might have been in high school now pushing their equally young husbands in wheelchairs through the halls of Walter Reed to appointments or tests or imaging. The young men were immobilized for so many different reasons and dependent on their wives who were probably still teenagers.
The wives looked scared and in shock. They might have been at a prom in some small town a year or two before with the young man who at that time had the use of all his limbs, but would never have that use again. These young couples who probably didn’t ask for war had done what was expected of them and were facing a life so different from what they expected.
My wife was admitted on one of those visits. While walking the halls late that night, we passed a small waiting room where one of these young wives was crying quietly in the darkened room. We stopped and just sat with her so she wasn’t alone. She said her husband probably wasn’t going to make it and their families were so far away.
Let’s honor not only the veterans, but also the spouses who stand by them. The leaders of our country could not possibly understand what I’m saying here. Unfortunate, but true.
Thank you Heather. Arlington National Cemetery is this nation’s most hallowed ground.
Inscribed on the marble sarcophagus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the back or west side are these words,
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God"
On the front or east side are three carved figures representing, “Peace, Victory, Valor”.
Have seen bus loads of 12 year olds standing and watching the sentinel take those precise 21 steps. The Old Guard, who are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, no matter the weather. Those children behaved with respect, reverence and dignity as to what they are witnessing and what the memorial means. Standing silent, could hear a pin drop. No talking, heads bowed, as to what this marble sarcophagus means…
Have witnessed school children stand near that “eternal flame” that was lit by Jacqueline Kennedy at JFK’s gravesite. Quiet and reserved, very little talking.
Respect is not only how we behave at a sacred place; it is how we treat veterans every day, including whether they can access the healthcare and support they were promised.
There’s absolutely no respect, or honor given to any military member by anyone in this administration.. whether the military personnel are alive or deceased… Karma has no menu. You get served what you deserve.
I'm sure the busloads of kids get coaching (or admonishing) from their teachers and chaperones before they enter the memorial. Maybe the Defense Secretary needs a chaperone to remind him how he should behave in public?
Apparently so, it’s just the non-stop disrespect, no regard for anyone, even those who no longer can fight back, it’s the ugliness not just to the fallen and all veterans but to each and everyone of us, the hubris day after day, continuously… We all voted even shouted we have had enough yet they still don’t get it and seem to continue to get worse… Seems we all need a sentinel to yell reminders..
Evidently yes
He does, it's Satan.
Hegseth and his group are a disgusting excuse for human beings - no class or honour amongst any of them!!! Along with a revolting President who used a solemn occasion to promote himself and grift. All of these including the Republicans who then voted to reduce Veterans benefits by a voice vote so their names couldn't be recorded should be shamed and removed from their positions.. The USA is becoming a pathetic joke in the world.
Agree, 100%
Will that Soldier still be in service next week?
That was my thought too but I sincerely hope I’m wrong. Immense respect to him for not showing fear nor favour.
That young soldier has more integrity in his little finger than Mr. Hegseth has in his entire body.
Pete is a moron of the highest order.
Wonderful column, Heather. The Democrats who missed the impeachment vote have some serious explaining to do. Shame on Nancy Pelosi for being in California to receive some award that could've easily waited until after 1/3/27. I hope that every one of those who somehow couldn't anticipate bad traffic in DC is “primaried” in 2028. I know that a couple were dealing with health issues, but one of them managed to defy doctor’s orders to show up to vote anyway. Jeffries & Schumer must go. Total inability to meet the moment. No more “go along to get along!”
Heather- You are so correct in your observations. My wife and I visited Normandy and the site of the D-Day landings two years ago. It was a beautiful September Saturday and, while tourists were abundant, I was struck by the respect and solemnity of the occasion. We both commented on how quiet such a large mass of people were.
I think people like Hegseth and Trump suffer from a psychological disorder (I’m sure there is a specific term for it) that I call an empathy gap. They are unable to feel any emotion toward people who they don’t know personally. Imagine if Hegseth had a close relative or friend who had been killed in a war. He wouldn’t have taken photos and laughed as he did yesterday. And it’s also why he doesn’t lose a minute of sleep over bombing a school in Iran or blowing up fishermen in the Caribbean. Feelings of regret, guilt, etc., never cross his mind.
Heather, the behaviour of the orange Hitler and Hegseth at your Veterans Day remembrance is absolutely disgraceful. They showed absolutely no respect on such a solemn occasion. We in the UK have just commerated Remembrance Sunday, when thousands of Veterans marched past the Cenotaph. I remember a few years ago that Michael Foot, leader of the Labour Party, was criticised for wearing a BROWN donkey jacket. Also, the stepson of a pop star climbed up the Cenotaph and had the gall to say “I didn't know what it was for”. If he didn't, then he was the only one who didn't. Roll on January when the Democrats take control of the Senate and Congress.
Thank you Heather, I have been to Arlington National Cemetery, watched the changing of the guard. In a large crowd of people we stood silently feeling the sacredness of this honor of the many who served. It remains one of my most favorite places I visited with my siblings during our 12 day visit to Washington DC and Arlington. Thank you for this post on Veterans Day, many of my family have served in military service, my dad in WWII.
Hegseth is an ignorant abhorrent poor excuse for a human being let alone for a Secretary of Defense.
He violated the sanctity of that revered place to take photos of himself and his entourage laughing and smiling with such complete disrespect it was nauseating.
The soldier who did his DUTY to stop their disgraceful behavior should be honored.
Hegseth should have personally apologized to him and the NATION but of course he will do and say nothing.
We won’t have to concern ourselves much longer with him…he will be gone in January and it will be good riddance to such foul rubbish.
Congratulations to Scott Colom for successfully defeating another piece of rubbish in Mississippi ..the hateful woman who blocked him from a Federal judgeship..who ran a dirty campaign against him…who once proudly likened an event to happily occupying the first row at a hanging…that hate- filled b*tch will now be surrendering her seat in the Senate to HIM….KARMA of the first order.
We’re going to be experiencing a lot more of these Karma moments..it’s the universe speaking ..showing all that good will always triumph over evil…that wrongs WILL be righted and that those who try and break all the rules for their own selfish greedy advantage will always get just what they deserve…maybe not immediately but always eventually.
Patience is truly a virtue and we can be patient.
In this great communist country of ours, we get letters twice a year with timing of our flu and Covid injections which are of course free And administered at our local doctor surgery where we are also checked as oldsters to see if we’ve had a shingles injection-younger people can get a flu jab for a nominal sum. After we’ve had our injections, we of course all go out singing the internationale, Actually, we don’t as Wales is part of the UK so we sing the red flag. We then get our spades and rakes and march off to the local collective where we plant the turnips which we will eat raw during the winter months. Good wishes to our comrades in America, Joe Hill was a good friend of ours
I'm a Welshman, too. My mother was a GI Bride from Cardiff from WWII. Beautiful country, lovely people.
Thank you Heather, the tears began after the initial section and have kept flowing as I read the poignant comments. I have never been to DC and would like to make a personal commitment to visit the honored monuments once it is free from bondage. I will think of you while I am there and all of the moments you have shared here in this little Substack. I appreciate your words, your experiences and your deep, deep respect for our Veterans 😊
It makes you wonder if they all sit around wondering what boundary they can push next to see how far they can go Nothing this administration has done has benefited anyone except themselves and I mean nothing
All the money squandered on wars ballrooms and arches could have been channeled into making everyone’s lives easier not least the veterans How dare they cut and squeeze budgets that affect people who need the support of a ‘grateful nation’ how hollow are the words ‘thank you for your service’
In the U.K. our support for veterans is not much better and that too is shameful
How so very disappointing that Democratic representatives - on what we were looking to as a the start of a new dawn faltered at the first step This isn’t a game this is the country fighting for its political life They had the opportunity to make the first inroads let’s hope come January things will accelerate
I expect even Trump will see what a liability Hegseth has become - not in the job he is doing but in creating bad press for DJT and I would anticipate him not being fired merely being moved to another position
Democrats gird your loins we need you to prepare and to fight with all the backbone and determination that serving service personnel and veterans exhibit
You give Hegseth too much credit when you say he knew exactly what he was doing. No he didn’t. Hegseth is an ignorant, boorish pig.
I am sure the sentinels have had to straighten out a few boisterous children and other ignoramuses over the decades but that a group of adults who are supposedly leaders and the Secretary of Defense is beyond comprehension
It is important this Veterans Bill pass. The removed benefits can be added back in the next Congress.
This fits right in with his malignant narcissist personality; he's better than anyone around him and the rules are different for him.
I’m not going to waste any words on Hegseth and Trump. We all know what they are like. This will be a reflection on my fellow veterans, as well as the spouses who supported them in their service.
I served 24 years in the Air Force and my wife was there for the last 22 years of that time. She endured the stateside and overseas moves, my absences while doing temporary duty somewhere, and the sometimes substandard housing. My wife was an adult when we married and I was able to explain some of what she would face.
On November 11th, I keep coming back to a few weeks during Desert Storm when my wife was having medical issues and we had several appointments at Walter Reed hospital in Washington. This was at the worst of Desert Storm when so many men and women were coming home severely injured. I saw young women who maybe a year before might have been in high school now pushing their equally young husbands in wheelchairs through the halls of Walter Reed to appointments or tests or imaging. The young men were immobilized for so many different reasons and dependent on their wives who were probably still teenagers.
The wives looked scared and in shock. They might have been at a prom in some small town a year or two before with the young man who at that time had the use of all his limbs, but would never have that use again. These young couples who probably didn’t ask for war had done what was expected of them and were facing a life so different from what they expected.
My wife was admitted on one of those visits. While walking the halls late that night, we passed a small waiting room where one of these young wives was crying quietly in the darkened room. We stopped and just sat with her so she wasn’t alone. She said her husband probably wasn’t going to make it and their families were so far away.
Let’s honor not only the veterans, but also the spouses who stand by them. The leaders of our country could not possibly understand what I’m saying here. Unfortunate, but true.