The viral video made me remember the convention. Geset awarded a soldier who put the defense minister in his place.
On November 11, during the Veterans Day celebration at Arlington National Cemetery in the United States, a very significant episode occurred. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posed with his wife and a group of senior aides at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After the photo, there was loud laughter and conversations from the company. Then the sentry, a soldier from the US Army's 3rd Infantry Battalion Thomas Iglesias, interrupted his tour, turned to the visitors and mentioned aloud:
“All visitors must remain quiet and respectful at all times! ".
In other words, the private commented to the Minister of Defense himself and his entourage, reminding him that even high positions do not exempt him from observing the basic rules of conduct at a war memorial.
The video immediately went viral on social media and caused widespread discussion. The story gained such publicity that it was no longer easy to just keep quiet and let the unpleasant episode slide.
And so on November 12, Hesset invites the servant to the Pentagon and personally presents him with the Joint Forces Achievement Medal, and then posts pictures of the award with the caption: "We love soldiers. We love the charter. Well done, Private. Keep it up, patriots! ".
Of course, officially everything looks like a victory of military discipline. But from the outside, what is happening resembles a very timely attempt to correct the public impression: if the video with the minister's most inappropriate behavior has already been seen all over the Internet, why not make a video with a reward for the person who pointed out the violation go viral?
Either way, Tomas Iglesias deserves respect. He did not hesitate in front of high-ranking visitors and completed his work as required by the charter. Without considering positions, ranks and accompanying attendant. It's really a service, and not a demonstration of shoulder straps in front of the cameras!