The Medal of Honor Walking Tour at the Historic Bellefontaine Cemetery on Veterans Day is a two-hour, two-mile walking tour that features visiting the graves of the 10 Medal of Honor recipients that are laid to rest at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. Each of the 10 will have their American and Medal of Honor flags refreshed and their individual accomplishments will be read aloud. This event is free, though donations to the cemetery are greatly appreciated. Tickets are limited. See website for more info and to register!
The historic Bellefontaine Cemetery was started in 1849 by a group of prominent men from the city of St. Louis. Almerin Hotchkiss, an associate of Frederick Law Olmsted who designed New York's Central Park, was hired to design the layout of the cemetery. Hotchkiss became friends with Henry Shaw and with his help, the cemetery is now noted to have one of the finest collections of trees in the St. Louis area. Amazing examples of architecture and cemetery art can also be found at Bellefontaine Cemetery, as well as the final resting places for many famous people including Adolphus Busch, of the famed Anheuser-Busch beer brewery; William Clark, famous explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition; and James Eads, architect who designed the St. Louis Eads Bridge.
Bellefontaine Cemetery is open daily for visiting 8am to 5pm, with extended hours in the summer. The Cemetery hosts many private and public, bus, walking and special themed tours throughout the year.
Please check the website listed on each event to get the most up-to-date information.