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FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, I HAVE BEEN FAS-
CINATED BY MONTANA'S MANY CEMETERIES. From
roadside sites along now-forgotten highways to the gardens
that house my own loved ones, I've felt comforted by a quiet
cemetery. My family was on the board for our local cem-
etery, so as a child I would accompany my father to raise
and lower the flag and tend to the grounds on occasion. As
soon as I got my driver's license, I would often stop at my
grandmother's grave at the same cemetery after school and
sit for what now seems like angsty lengths of time. It helped
me feel connected to my grandmother whom I missed, and
as I explored other cemeteries, I felt my connection to Mon-
tana's history deepen.
Before I introduce you to some of my favorite community
gravesites, I'd be remiss not to mention how we all must
respect each cemetery we visit. Every cemetery has care-
takers, some paid and some volunteers. While it is okay to
leave respectful memorials to loved ones, or even toys and
trinkets on a long-passed child's grave, it is never okay to
leave refuse, graffiti, or other ill-intentioned items. Please
join me as we respectfully wander a few of our beautiful
state's memorial gardens.
S I L V E R S T A R
B I G T I M B E R
