Missoula’s Immense Memorial Day Wreath Ceremonies Schedule

The most Memorial Day wreath ceremonies in one day of any American city or community.

So says the American Legion's national magazine about Missoula, Montana. So, if honoring those in uniform that have gone before us is important to you, you're in the right place.

Organizer Susan Campbell Reneau gave us the schedule of wreath ceremonies for Memorial Day Monday, May 27. All ceremonies for the 98th annual event are free and the public is welcome. From cemeteries to the Missoula County Courthouse to war memorials, hopefully something will fit into your schedule for who you would like to honor with your respectful presence.

TIMES, PLACES, EVENTS

7:00 a.m. – Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Held at the military flag poles. Sunrise Service. One wreath presented at base of flag display with potted plant. Playing of Taps. No shooting. Just flags and honor and color guard standing at attention, if available. Playing of Taps at the end of service.

9:30 a.m. – VFW Post 209 Headquarters. Located at 245 W. Main Street, Missoula. Opening prayer and send-off to American Legion Post 27 Color Guard and VFW Post 209 Honor Guard as they begin the day of wreath presentations around Missoula.

10 a.m. – Van Buren Street Bridge between Eastgate Shopping Center and Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce building. Tossing of patriotic wreath into Clark Fork River by Navy representative. Full military honors. Playing of Taps.

10:30 a.m. – Missoula County Courthouse. Front lawn beside World War I Doughboy Statue. Retirement of American flag. Short procession and wreath presentation. Full military honors. Playing of Taps.

11:15 a.m. – Fort Missoula Old Post Military Cemetery. Ole Beck Grave, World War I. Presentation of wreath. Full military honors. Playing of Taps.

11:30 to 12:30 p.m. – Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Wreath presentations at each military flag and American Legion rock. Full military honors. Playing of Taps. Service starts at Noon.

1:00 p.m. – Sunset Memorial Gardens, Veteran’s Monument. Flag dedication and wreath ceremony about 1:45 p.m.. Full military honors. Playing of Taps. LUNCH WILL BE SERVED HERE.

2:15 p.m. - Missoula City Cemetery, Veteran’s Monument. Wreath presentation. Full military honors. Playing of Taps.

2:30 p.m. - St. Mary’s Annex Cemetery, Jesus Statue. Presentation of wreaths. Full military honors. Playing of Taps.

3:00 p.m. - St. Mary’s Cemetery, Veteran’s Monument. Wreath presentation. Full military honors. Playing of Taps.

3:15 p.m. – Rose Memorial Garden Park. Full military honors and playing of TAPS at start of wreath presentations. Audience with leader goes to EVERY monument (18) in park. Takes about 15 minutes. Start at Vietnam Memorial and end at Vietnam Memorial.

4:00 p.m. – Iraq-Afghanistan War Memorial, University of Montana. Wreath presentations. Full military honors. Playing of Taps.

Schedules for the entire day's activities will be handed out during the morning ceremonies.