Pete Hegseth decorated Corporal Thomas Iglesias after the serviceman asked him to remain silent at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth decorated Corporal Thomas Iglesias, a soldier from the 3rd Infantry Regiment, on Thursday after the corporal had asked him the previous day to respect the quiet and solemnity at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Iglesias went viral after publicly reprimanding Hegseth, his wife, and several advisers, who were filmed talking, taking photographs, and laughing on the monument’s steps after the ceremony held on Veterans Day. “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of quiet and respect at all times,” the soldier shouted.

Hegseth posted a photograph of himself pinning a medal on the corporal’s chest and praised his discipline. The Pentagon said that Iglesias had reminded everyone, “in a correct and respectful manner,” of the rules of conduct.

The Tomb, guarded continuously since 1937, is considered a sacred place and commemorates three unknown American service members. The incident comes amid controversy over a project for a monumental arch near the cemetery, which has been challenged in court after it was found that it could cast shadows over tens of thousands of graves.