Federal cemeteries would open on major holidays under GOP senator’s bill

Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana, is taking steps to ensure that families of fallen loved ones have the opportunity to visit their graves on federal holidays. Currently, the more than 170 cemeteries overseen by the federal government are closed on holidays such as Memorial Day, Christmas, Independence Day, and others. Daines is introducing legislation that would require these cemeteries to remain open on these important days.

Cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and National Parks Service are typically closed on major holidays, with the exception of Arlington National Cemetery, which is open on Memorial Day and Veterans Day but closed on all other holidays. Daines believes that it is essential for families and friends to have the chance to pay their respects to their loved ones on these special days.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Daines emphasized the significance of holidays like Memorial Day in honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. He stated, “Our national cemeteries should be open on these special days, so that family and friends can pay their respects to their loved ones. I’m proud to introduce this bill to ensure that our fallen service members can receive the tributes and honor that they deserve.”

The tradition of national cemeteries dates back to the Civil War in the early 1860s when the federal government began operating cemeteries to provide final resting places for fallen Union soldiers. Today, there are over 170 national cemeteries operated by the Department of Defense, the VA, and the National Park Service. Not every state has a national cemetery, but Montana, the state represented by Daines, is home to two national cemeteries: the Fort Missoula Post Cemetery and Yellowstone National Cemetery.

Daines’ efforts to keep national cemeteries open on federal holidays highlight the importance of honoring and remembering those who have served our country. By ensuring that families have the opportunity to visit their loved ones’ graves on these significant days, we can continue to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our service members.