HELENA, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding the State of Montana $2.7 million to expand the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison.

“Our nation is built upon the sacrifices of those who have served, and it is our solemn duty to honor and remember the veterans who have passed on,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Each grave represents a story of courage, commitment, and an unbreakable bond to the ideals we hold dear. With this expansion, we’re ensuring the legacy of our heroes and their families is memorialized.”

The Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison currently serves more than 22,000 veterans and their family members. The funding will provide the cemetery with 300 pre-placed crypts, 800 columbarium niches, 500 cremains gravesites, and landscaping.

Honoring our nation’s heroes for their service and sacrifice is a top priority for the governor. Since taking public office, Gov. Gianforte has honored hundreds of Montana veterans who selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community through the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. The governor is accepting nominations for the 2024 award at recognizeveterans.mt.gov.

To read the letter from VA Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ronald E. Walters, see here.