Pete Hegseth, despite his belligerence and big-man, hot-shot attitude, is indeed a very small and insecure man. Clearly he does not see how obvious that is to the rest of us.
The Old Guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment positioned a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during daylight hours beginning in 1926. Starting in 1937, a sentinel was positioned as a 24/7 watch, no matter the conditions. No rank is worn by a sentinel when standing watch. This traditions ensures no guard ever outranks the Unknown Soldiers resting beneath the marble.
A family member was a member of the old guard, whose resting place is in Arlington National Cemetery.
Petey couldn’t even come close to reading the Sentinel's Creed that every guard recites upon earning their badge?
I always think that there's nothing left this Administration could do that would surprise me. Then THIS. Somehow this one hurts more. The most solemn place in our Country is audibly defiled for a photo op. This is as bad as the “suckers and losers” comment. Personally, I believe that having 5-deferment Trump visit is a defilement in itself.
I am a Washington, DC native, born in the city and raised in suburban Maryland (currently living in California). As a child and adolescent, I made numerous trips to Arlington and the Tomb. I knew even then what behavior was expected. This news yesterday broke my heart.
Pete Hegseth, despite his belligerence and big-man, hot-shot attitude, is indeed a very small and insecure man. Clearly he does not see how obvious that is to the rest of us.
Well said. Thanks.
The Old Guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment positioned a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during daylight hours beginning in 1926. Starting in 1937, a sentinel was positioned as a 24/7 watch, no matter the conditions. No rank is worn by a sentinel when standing watch. This traditions ensures no guard ever outranks the Unknown Soldiers resting beneath the marble.
A family member was a member of the old guard, whose resting place is in Arlington National Cemetery.
Petey couldn’t even come close to reading the Sentinel's Creed that every guard recites upon earning their badge?
I always think that there's nothing left this Administration could do that would surprise me. Then THIS. Somehow this one hurts more. The most solemn place in our Country is audibly defiled for a photo op. This is as bad as the “suckers and losers” comment. Personally, I believe that having 5-deferment Trump visit is a defilement in itself.
You nailed it
I am a Washington, DC native, born in the city and raised in suburban Maryland (currently living in California). As a child and adolescent, I made numerous trips to Arlington and the Tomb. I knew even then what behavior was expected. This news yesterday broke my heart.
Excellent, eloquent piece!
I've never been to Arlington, but I did spend time at Viet Nam memorial and respectful, thoughtful quiet was inherent when there.
I wonder how long it will be until Hegseth opens an investigation into that Sentinel and court martials him…
He'd be impeached, tried, and removed the next day, hopefully with unanimous votes.
Love your essay, Shanley! He needs to recognize when his needs are the least important in the room. Brava!