Hundreds Attend Funeral Procession For Marine Killed In Chattanooga Shooting

25-Year-Old Had Served 2 Tours In Afghanistan

By
Danielle Kaeding/WPR

Hundreds waited in line outside the Grantsburg High School in northwestern Wisconsin on Saturday to pay their respects to the family of a Wisconsin marine who was among those killed in the Tennessee reserve shooting.

People stood silent as the funeral procession carrying Sgt. Carson Holmquist’s body arrived at the Grantsburg High School. As a dozen members of an honor guard saluted, Marines carried his coffin into the school where community members paid their respects.

People carried flowers and flags as vehicles drove by with signs painted on the windows, reading “We love your marine” and “Forever in our hearts.” Faces were red, both from the mid-day sun and tears over the loss of the Grantsburg marine.

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Community member Elizabeth Olson said everyone is mourning his loss.

“You know, everybody changed their signs all throughout town. I think it brought people together, but it also has this heaviness to it. You can feel it,” she said.

U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills said the slain servicemen are being considered for Purple Hearts.

“They saved other Marines’ lives. I think they represented corps and country extraordinarily well,” he said.

Marine Captain Andrew Chrestman said community support has been remarkable.

“It’s been a very trying time for the families, but also for us. Right now, we’re just trying to support the families in any way we can,” said Chrestman.

Balsam Lake state Rep. Adam Jarchow agreed that the support from local residents was incredible.

“We’ve got a line that would take hours for people to go through. It just shows how in small communities across America, we come together when we have tragedies,” said Jarchow.

Law enforcement reported that Gov. Scott Walker visited Holmquist’s family in Grantsburg after canceling two presidential campaign stops to attend.

The 25-year-old Holmquist served two tours in Afghanistan. He leaves behind his wife and son.