Memorial Day 2014: Dedication of Montana’s first national cemetery
It’s more than the culmination of a three-day weekend and a chance to bust out the barbecue, this last Monday of May. It’s Memorial Day. A day originally established to honor the soldiers of America’s Civil War who made the ultimate sacrifice; over time it’s evolved into a day to remember all veterans who have served this country. Every year on Memorial Day there are special services and ceremonies in communities across the country, but this year there’s something happening right in our backyard that’s worth taking note. This Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2014 Montana’s first national cemetery will officially be dedicated.
The Yellowstone County Veteran’s Cemetery, located in Laurel, Montana, is in its final days and hours with that moniker, and on Monday, with 10 years of hard work in the making, it will be dedicated as the newest national veteran’s cemetery: the Yellowstone National Veteran's Cemetery.
Dedication ceremony details…
On Monday, May 26, 2014 at 12pm the dedication will begin at the cemetery located north of Laurel at 55 Buffalo Trail Road with an All Unit Procession led by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard and followed by the Billings’ Caledonian Pipes and Drums.
Speakers will include:
- Senator Jon Tester, keynote speaker
- Additional comments by US Senator John Walsh and US Representative Steve Daines
- Deputy Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Steve L. Muro, will unveil the official Yellowstone National Cemetery plaque
Attendance for the dedication ceremony is expected to be large, therefore attendees are asked to park in the Laurel High School 
parking lot, located at 203 East 8th Street, where shuttles will be available to transport guests. Shuttles will begin running at 11:15am.
If you’re unable to attend Yellowstone National Veteran’s Cemetery dedication ceremony, consider taking part in the National Moment of Remembrance Act – passed into law in December 2000 to “ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This Act encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3pm on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
With our immense thanks, we honor you, the men and women who have and are currently serving this country, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember.