Veterans Cemeteries Program

PURPOSE: This rule describes the operations of the Veterans’ Cemeteries Program authorized by sections 42.010 and 42.012, RSMo. (1) The executive director shall hire a Veterans Cemeteries Program director who shall have the authority and responsibility for the planning, implementation, and operation of the Veterans Cemeteries Program. (2) The Veterans Cemeteries Program director shall hire the professional, technical, and support staff necessary to operate the cemeteries program. This staff shall be responsible for providing interment services to eligible Veterans and their dependents in Missouri, maintaining cemetery grounds and facilities, performing outreach activities to promote awareness of the Veterans Cemeteries Program, and cooperating with the National Cemetery Administration and other states’ Veterans Cemeteries Programs. (3) Operations. (A) Visiting Hours. Visiting hours shall be posted at the front entrance to each cemetery and are subject to change with or without notice to the public for state holidays, inclement weather, or other exigent circumstances. Unauthorized visitors to the cemetery outside of these hours may be referred to local law enforcement. (B) Operation and Maintenance. The cemetery shall be operated and maintained in accordance with national standards set forth in Title 38 U.S.C. Section 2408. Cemetery regulations and any changes thereto shall be posted at each cemetery in a location accessible to the public. Missouri Veterans Cemeteries (MVC) reserves the right to change cemetery regulations as necessary to align with the national standards or to conform to current conditions. AUTHORITY: sections 42.007.6, 42.010, and 536.023(3), RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed Jan. 7, 2009, effective July 30, 2009. Amended: Filed June 11, 2013, effective Dec. 30, 2013. Amended: Filed Oct. 2, 2020, effective April 30, 2021. Amended: Filed Aug. 4, 2025, effective Feb. 28, 2026. *Original authority: 42.007, RSMo 1989, amended 1996, 2008, 2009; 42.010, RSMo 1996, amended 1998; and 536.023, RSMo 1975, amended 1976, 1997, 2004.