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Helena-area tribute honoring fallen service members
Attend the Memorial Day service at Fort Harrison VA Cemetery near Helena, gathering for a respectful morning of remembrance honoring those who served.
Event details
Start your Memorial Day with the Fort Harrison VA Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery just west of Helena. You arrive early, take in the orderly grounds, and join locals in the region’s primary tribute to fallen service members, with the Big Belt Mountains as the distant horizon.
The program begins at 7:00 AM and typically runs about an hour. You can expect a formal military ceremony with the presentation of the colors, guest remarks, a wreath-laying, a rifle salute, and the playing of Taps. It is outdoors among the headstones, appropriate for all ages, and best suited to those who value a traditional, quiet observance.
Plan to arrive by 6:45 AM for parking and a good spot near the main podium. Bring a light jacket for the crisp morning, plus a folding chair if standing is difficult, and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk the grounds afterward or visit specific gravesites. In light rain the ceremony usually continues, so pack an umbrella or rain shell, and follow staff directions on Heroes Road since on-site parking can fill quickly.
If you are coming from out of town, stay in downtown Helena for convenient access to trails, museums, and dining, then consider brunch after the ceremony or a drive along the Missouri River. If you prefer a lake base for the rest of the weekend, look at rentals near Hauser Lake or Canyon Ferry Lake through Lake.com. There is no entry fee, and while the cemetery is a public space, we suggest leaving pets at home during the formal program; speakers often include local veterans’ leaders and Fort Harrison military officials, with names varying year to year.
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