On Oct. 24, 1921, America’s first unknown soldier was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The honor was adopted after the U.S.’s involvement in World War I. In 1937, the Third U.S. Infantry regiment began the tradition of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Sentinels have been on duty every minute of every day since 1937. They perform a precise routine of 21 steps across a 63-foot walkway. Sentinels are required to possess exemplary qualities, a spotless record and undergo a strict selection process and intensive training.

One of those sentinels was a recent graduate of Caribou High School in 1992. Mark Holmquist is now the Scarborough Chief of Police, and previously served 24.5 years as a Maine State Trooper. He spoke at the Charles E. Sherman Jr. American Legion  on April 27 about his 14-month service guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. 

Holmquist joined the U.S. Army as a way to enhance his resume prior to seeking a career with Maine State Police and to earn college money. He arrived at Fort Benning, Georgia in July1992 ready to begin his military training. After experiencing the aftermath of a Georgia summer rain shower and watching the steam rise from the ground, he thought “This must be what hell is like.”

Holmquist sparkled in his early training and was assigned to the U.S. Army’s oldest active military outfit, the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Old Guard.” The unit originated in 1784 and is now the Army’s official ceremonial unit. It serves as an escort to the president and guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

Holmquist provided the audience of about 50 a brief history lesson on how the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” began. He told them America adopted the tradition from our World War I Allies. The U.S. retrieved four war dead from European cemeteries with the purpose of making one the first Unknown Soldier. The honor of selecting America’s first Unknown Soldier was left to decorated Army Sgt. Alfred Younger. “He walked around the four caskets three times with a floral arrangement before selecting the third casket from the left,” Holmquist said. The casket was taken to the tomb newly built at Arlington National Cemetery. 

In 1864, the Union Army began burying war dead at the Arlington, Virginia property owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee. “The hope was this would dissaude Robert E. Lee from returning to his home after the war,” Holmquist said. 

Holmquist described the artistry displayed on the tomb. He explained three inverted wreaths are shown on two of the tomb’s sides. Each represents one of the six major World War I battles. The Greek figures of peace, victory and valor are also seen. Holmquist also identified a phrase on the tomb’s outside. “Here rests in honor and glory to an American Soldier only known but to God.”

Guarding the tomb didn’t occur until 1926. Holmquist explained complaints began occurring due to people sitting on the tomb. “This didn’t sit well with the public. So, the guard was established,” Holmquist said. 

Establishing the tomb as the Unknown Soldier’s final resting place also created a new tradition. Holmquist said the Unknown Soldier’s next of kin was identified as either the president or vice-president of the United States. President Harding was World War I’s Unknown Soldier’s next of kin. In 1958, World War II’s and Korean War’s Unknown Soldiers were placed in the tomb. President Eisenhower was World War II’s Unknown Soldier’s next of kin. Vice President Nixon was named as the Korean War’s. 

The Vietnam War’s Unknown Soldier was placed into the tomb in 1984. In 1998, DNA advances allowed for the soldier to become known. United States Air Force pilot Lt. Michael Blassie was shot down in Vietnam in 1972. Once he was identified in 1998, his remains were returned to Blassie’s hometown in St. Louis. Holmquist later served in the National Guard at a base near where Blassie was buried. “I was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. I thought this might be my only chance to visit Lt. Blassie,” he said. “So, I did. It was a hot July day, and I spent a moment to reflect on his service.”

For a tomb guard, the standard is perfection, whether it’s marching, uniform presentation, knowing an assortment of oaths, creeds, poems, or where certain famous soldiers are buried. Holmquist explained the sentinel’s duty. “It took me six to nine months to earn my badge. I received it on Pearl Harbor Day which meant a lot,” he said. “The training, uniform requirements, duty and tradition are all in the sentinel’s creed.” Holmquist recited the creed. “My dedication to this sacred duty is total and whole-hearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance, my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect, his bravery that made us so proud ...”

Holmquist shared his “Bright and Shining Moment” as a sentinel. He was walking his post near Veterans Day during a hard rainstorm. Holmquist was dressed in rain gear which covered his body except for his lower legs which were “drenched.” He didn’t expect any tomb visitors, but a double-amputee Vietnam war veteran wearing a ball cap and a basic jacket appeared. “He centered himself on the Vietnam War section, and sat there for several minutes. I walked by and he was sobbing,” Holmquist said. As he passed by, the veteran said, “Thank you for guarding my friend,” Holmquist said.

Holmquist was invited to speak by American Legion Post 36’s Auxilary Unit.