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Evers: Tribute to our Troops tree tradition to continue amid pandemic
xmas lights ornaments christmas holiday

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers have announced that the “Tribute to our Troops” holiday tree — a tradition that began with Gov. Jim Doyle — will continue this year.

“While others across our state celebrate the holidays, Wisconsin’s service members continue to serve both at home and abroad,” said Gov. Evers. “This year, in particular, we owe them a great debt of gratitude as they serve through the pandemic, including our members of the Wisconsin National Guard who have stepped up time and time again in our state response helping local governments, working as poll workers, and assisting in our testing efforts.”

The governor and first lady invite family members of Wisconsin’s service members — past and present, in Wisconsin and abroad — to send a holiday ornament dedicated to their loved one. The ornaments will be displayed at the Executive Residence in Maple Bluff, Wisconsin, though there will be no holiday tours this year due to COVID-19.

The invitation is open to families of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members. Ornaments can be plain, fancy or personalized to honor our fallen service members, those who are deployed overseas this holiday season, and all who wear the uniforms of our nation’s armed forces.

To send tributes:

To be included as part of this year’s “Tribute to our Troops” tree, ornaments must be received no later than Nov. 28 at:


Wisconsin National Guard 

Service Member Support Division

ATTN: Mr. Liam Walsh

2400 Wright Street

Madison, Wis., 53704


Ornaments will not be returned.