WATCH: Pete Hegseth Swears in National Guard Troops on National Mall

Video Description

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted a mass reenlistment ceremony for National Guard members at the Washington Monument on the National Mall today, February 6, 2026. Transcript video chapters: 00:01 Morning Address at Lincoln Memorial 🌅 00:29 Re-enlistment as Sign of Strong Leadership 🎖️ 01:45 Historic Crime Reduction in Washington, DC 📉 02:42 Homicides Down 85% - City Transformation 🏛️ 03:39 Homeland Defense Mission Priority 🛡️ 04:00 Arming Troops for Safety Discussion 🔫 04:24 Purple Heart Recipients Recognition 💜 04:57 Family Sacrifice Acknowledgment 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 05:31 250 Years of American Leadership Legacy 🇺🇸 06:27 Military Re-enlistment Ceremony Begins ✋ 06:39 Oath of Enlistment Administration 📜 07:18 Ceremony Conclusion and Congratulations 🎉 Key Highlights of the Ceremony Location: The base of the Washington Monument, symbolizing the "historic safety and beauty" the administration aims to restore to the District. Participants: While the full list of represented states hasn't been finalized in public transcripts yet, the deployment includes troops from D.C., Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, West Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina. The ceremony takes place in the context of the National Guard's extended "law and order" mission in Washington, which runs through at least February 2026. Theme: Secretary Hegseth emphasized a return to "Meritocracy" and the "Warrior Ethos," aligning with the Department of War's recent focus on high lethality and recruitment standards. Strategic Significance This ceremony serves as a high-profile demonstration of the administration's support for the Guard following the extension of their deployment orders. Hegseth has previously noted that these troops have delivered "historic safety" to the capital, specifically mentioning their role in curbing crime and protecting national landmarks. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKBNaxsFV4hpGVc8QOUmsFg/join Defense Now | February 2026 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe95fdmDwNk-81nYqzJFkbwoYk2Y2zc6W&si=tY0GLF620zP2M2VW Members-only videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOKBNaxsFV4hpGVc8QOUmsFg Hegseth Hosts National Guard Reenlistment Ceremony UNITED STATES 02.06.2026 Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosts a reenlistment ceremony for National Guard members from multiple states at the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, Feb. 6, 2026. Film Credits: Department of War