Landscaping to Honor Veterans in Billings Now on Oct. 4th

If ever a good reason to postpone and reschedule an event in eastern Montana, rain is it.

The Saluting Branches day of service at Mountview Cemetary is coming up this Friday, October 4th.  The September 18th occasion was rained out, so they will try again in a couple days.  I just checked the weather forecast, and the day should be sunny and up into the lower 80s.

To sign up to volunteer and for more information, please visit the Saluting Branches website salutingbranches.org

What a meaningful way to finish the week.

Original Article, September 11th, 2024

Cemeteries are solemn places to remember passed loved ones, and more so for Veterans who served in the Armed Forces.  Patriots Day reminds us of the profound impact of September 11th, and many in uniform have been lost since then.  We can extend our gratitude and patriotism at a special event next Wednesday the 18th.

Mountview Cemetary will be the Billings location for the 10th annual Saluting Branches: Arborists United for Veteran Remembrance, a day of service to beautify the trees on the grounds by carefully pruning, removing, fertilizing and even planting new ones.

This landscaping project will be coordinated between CM Tree Service & Removal, the Parks and Recreation Forestry Division and the Montana Nursery & Landscape Association.

The Saluting Branches event starts at 7:45 in the morning with an opening ceremony, presentation of colors and a message from Mayor Bill Cole.  After that, the work begins.

You can join in the Good Work

Folks are invited to attend the ceremony and may volunteer in this respectful effort.  Last year over 60 volunteers gave about $40,000 worth of labor and services to Mountview, sprucing up over 50 trees and planting over a dozen new.

Don't worry about disturbing other guests during the day.  Parts of the cemetery will be closed off for the work throughout the day.  At 5:00 in the afternoon, the grounds will be opened back up so visitors can see the newly trimmed foliage that evening.

How to enter for Saluting Branches

Please enter Mountview Cemetery on the south side entrance behind the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter at 1735 Monad Road.  There will be signage there to guide you in.

So bring your gardening gloves and clothes.  What a meaningful way to give back for those who did the same for us.

Get our free mobile app