Gov. Evers Urges Wisconsinites to Send Ornaments for Holiday Tree Honoring Troops

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 16:46 GMT by Channel 3000

Gov. Evers Calls on Wisconsinites to Send Ornaments for the Holiday Tree Honoring Troops

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is turning to the public for help in celebrating the state’s veterans, and the Governor is making a personal appeal. In a press release issued by the Governor’s Office and highlighted on Channel3000, Governor Tony Evers announced that residents of Wisconsin can contribute ornaments for a special holiday tree that will be displayed at the state capitol as a tribute to the men and women who have served our country.

The Holiday Tree Tradition

The holiday tree will be part of the Capitol’s annual “Winterfest” program, a long‑standing tradition in which the Wisconsin State Capitol grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland each December. In 2024, the Governor announced that a new focus would be added to the event: a tree that honors the troops of Wisconsin. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for the safety and freedoms that we enjoy,” Evers said. “This year, we’re giving them a place in the heart of our capital during the most joyous season of the year.”

The tree will be planted in the capitol courtyard and lit during a ceremony on December 4, coinciding with the holiday lighting of the capitol grounds. It will be a gathering point for the veteran community, family members, and supporters of the Wisconsin Veterans Affairs program.

How the Public Can Contribute

One of the most distinctive aspects of this initiative is the Governor’s invitation to all Wisconsinites to create and send in ornaments for the tree. The ornaments must be small (no larger than 3 inches in diameter), lightweight, and free of hazardous materials. The Governor specifically encouraged people to add a personal touch—such as the name of a veteran, a short message of thanks, or a symbol that represents the service or branch of the armed forces.

The article outlines the following steps for anyone who wishes to participate:

1. Design your ornament – Use a medium such as ceramic, wood, or low‑density foam. If you use paper or cardboard, ensure it’s sturdy enough to be hung safely.
2. Attach a message – Write a brief note (no more than two lines) on the back or inside of the ornament. The note should thank the veteran or commemorate their service.
3. Mail it – Send your ornament to the address listed on the Governor’s website (the address is the Wisconsin Veterans Affairs Office in Madison). The article stresses that the ornaments should be mailed in by December 1 to ensure they arrive in time for the tree lighting ceremony.
4. Optional – Tag your submission – If you’d like your name and hometown to be displayed, include a small card with that information. The Veterans Affairs Office will print a directory for the tree’s display.

The Governor notes that the ornaments will be collected by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and displayed on the tree during the holiday season. The ornaments will be photographed and posted on the Governor’s official social‑media channels, giving participants an additional way to share in the celebration.

The Significance of the Holiday Tree for Troops

The article goes into depth about why this tree is important. Governor Evers cites the emotional toll that wars and deployments take on families and the need for public recognition. He says, “The holiday season is a time of reflection, gratitude, and unity. By placing a tree in the capitol that represents the sacrifices of our troops, we’re ensuring that each veteran’s story is part of the state’s cultural fabric.”

The article also notes that Wisconsin has a large veteran population—over 100,000 registered veterans—and many families still face the everyday challenges that come with service. The tree, as a symbol, is meant to “bring comfort, visibility, and hope” to these families.

Additional Resources and Links

The original article contains several links that provide further information:

• Governor’s Official Statement – A PDF link that expands on the Governor’s vision and includes background statistics on Wisconsin’s veteran community.
• Wisconsin Veterans Affairs (WVA) – Ornament Submission Form – An online form where people can provide shipping details and confirm that their ornament meets the size and safety guidelines.
• WVA Calendar of Veteran Events – A page listing other upcoming events, such as Veterans Day ceremonies and the annual “Veterans Parade.”
• Capitol Events Calendar – Details the schedule for Winterfest, including the tree‑lighting ceremony and related musical performances.
• Media Kit – For journalists who wish to cover the tree‑lighting event, the media kit includes high‑resolution photos, a list of key contacts, and a fact sheet.

Each link is annotated in the article with a brief description to guide readers toward the most relevant information. The Governor’s website also provides a “Frequently Asked Questions” section that clarifies common concerns, such as what to do if the ornament is lost in transit or how to ensure it won’t damage the tree.

What to Expect Next

With the deadline set for December 1, the article indicates that the Veterans Affairs Office will begin assembling the ornaments in the first week of December. The tree will be erected in mid‑December and lit at the December 4 ceremony, which will feature remarks from Governor Evers, local veterans, and community leaders. The event is open to the public, and it will be broadcast live on the Wisconsin TV network, ensuring that people who can’t attend in person still get to participate.

Finally, the article concludes with a heartfelt note from Governor Evers, reminding readers that “we owe so much to those who served. It’s our duty to remember them, honor them, and celebrate them each year.” He invites every citizen to contribute to the holiday tree as a tangible way to show gratitude, turning a simple ornament into a lasting tribute to the state’s troops.

In summary, Governor Tony Evers’ call to action is a powerful reminder of Wisconsin’s collective responsibility to its veterans. By inviting the public to contribute ornaments, the Governor turns a holiday tradition into an inclusive, statewide tribute—one that will shine in the capitol courtyard for all to see and remember.