![Veterans Cemetery No Longer Allows Most Graveside Services](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2015/06/vet-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Veterans Cemetery No Longer Allows Most Graveside Services
The Montana State Veterans Cemetery no longer allows most graveside services because of safety and liability concerns.
Montana Veterans Affairs Division Administrator Joe Foster says that the cemetery's new committal shelter is being used for most services.
Foster tells the Independent Record that exceptions are made for spiritual or exceptional circumstances.
The policy now is that services are held in the committal shelter and then the casket or urn is taken to where a grave has been opened awaiting the remains.
Families are not allowed access to the grave until the burial is complete and the grave is presentable.
Committal shelter services are used in Helena and Missoula, while graveside services still take place in Miles City, which does not have a committal shelter.
More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM
![Legendary Montana Distillery Featured in Coffee or Die Magazine](http://townsquare.media/site/990/files/2022/08/attachment-Credit-Ethan-Rocke-used-with-permission.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![“Cycling Grandma” Supporting Special Ops Families on Montana’s Hi Line](http://townsquare.media/site/990/files/2022/08/attachment-Cindy-Norris-cycling-grandmother.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Billings Teacher Honored by Montana Sen. Daines in Congressional Record](http://townsquare.media/site/125/files/2021/12/attachment-Untitled-design-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Connect with Special Forces Vets in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley](http://townsquare.media/site/125/files/2021/05/GettyImages-773097891.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Senator Daines Hears from American Veterans about Afghanistan](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2021/08/attachment-DAINES-AMER-LEGION-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Lt. Governor and Candidate for Governor Mike Cooney on Talk Back](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2020/09/Mike-Cooney.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fox – Knokey Introduce Campaign Strategy for Military Veterans](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2020/03/FOX-KNOKEY-FACEBOOK.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Santa Socks Needs Your Help to Support Local Veterans](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2016/12/santa-claus.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Nominations are Open for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation](http://townsquare.media/site/117/files/2018/05/GettyImages-622412890-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)