The Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville hosted a dedication for its new columbarium wall Thursday morning.

The Missouri Veterans Commission broke ground on the $2.1 million project in November 2024. The new wall is an above-grade structure designed for the interment of cremated remains. The structure includes four individual walls with about 1,800 niches.

The ceremony included a firing volley and a dedication from Charlie Guthrie. Cemetery Director Kelly Larkin says the wall will provide a huge benefit for the cemetery.

 

Larkin says the cemetery already has plans for future improvement projects.

 

This project was funded through the Veterans Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund and is 100 percent reimbursable by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program.