Keep moving forward: Wyoming commemorates veterans and families at Wreaths Across America

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Wyoming National Guard

By Joseph Coslett Jr.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Beneath the towering dome of the Wyoming State Capitol, Wyoming citizens,
Service members, families, and veterans gathered Dec. 8, 2025, to remember the fallen, honor those who served, and teach the next generation the value of freedom during the annual Wreaths Across America Proclamation Ceremony.

The event opened with Wyoming Veterans Commission Executive Director Tim Sheppard, who
welcomed attendees and asked for a moment of silence after a stirring National Anthem performed by Wyoming Army Guard Bandsman Sgt. Michael Lechner.

"Every wreath we place is a promise that we will not forget those who stood for us, fought for us, and never came home," Sheppard said. "This ceremony brings us together as one community to honor service, sacrifice, and the freedoms we often take for granted."
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon reflected on Wyoming's deep legacy of service and the nation's coming 250th anniversary, reminding citizens that America's strength has always come from its people.

"Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self,"

Gordon said. "Here in Wyoming, we understand that the cost of liberty is real. Today is a reminder that we honor that cost not only by remembering the fallen, but by teaching our young people what it means to carry freedom forward."

The governor also issued an official proclamation designating Dec. 16, 2025, as Wreaths Across America Day in Wyoming, encouraging communities statewide to participate in wreath-laying ceremonies and acts of remembrance.

Wyoming's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Greg Porter spoke about the ceremony's national theme, Keep Moving Forward, and tied it to the legacy of Captain Joshua Byers, whose final words before being killed in Iraq in 2003 were the inspiration for this year's motto.

"We keep moving forward because they moved us forward first," Porter said. "Our veterans, from
Lexington and Concord to the mountains of Afghanistan gave us more than their service. They gave us a roadmap for courage and what it means to live for a purpose greater than ourselves."

Porter emphasized that remembrance is not passive, but an active duty.
"To honor them, we must teach our children why these sacrifices matter and why freedom must never be taken for granted," he added. "As a nation and as Wyoming citizens, we move forward by carrying their stories, their ideals, and their example."

Representatives of Wyoming's congressional delegation delivered messages of unity and gratitude. Senator John Barrasso wrote: "Each wreath symbolizes our respect for the heroes who stood watch for us. Their memory endures because we choose to remember them - here, together, as a community."

Senator Cynthia Lummis added in her letter: "These wreaths rise above politics. They remind us that Liberty is never free, and that the debt we owe our veterans is one we can never fully repay but must always honor."

A message from Representative Harriet Hageman, delivered by her military and veterans liaison, echoed that sentiment: "The sacrifice of those who gave the last full measure of devotion is the foundation of our freedom. Today we remember them with reverence, and we honor their families who continue to bear that weight."

A Tradition of Teaching the Next Generation. The ceremony emphasized the educational mission of Wreaths Across America, reminding children that the freedoms they enjoy were purchased by others who stood in their place.

"Remembering and teaching are inseparable," Sheppard told the audience as the ceremony prepared to conclude.

"If our youth understand the cost of freedom, then the stories of our veterans will never
fade."

Closing With Honor, Governor Gordon and Maj. Gen. Porter placed Wyoming's Wreath of Remembrance in the Capitol Rotunda as Sgt. Barley Waring performed Taps - a moment that drew the room into quiet reflection.

The wreath will remain on display throughout the holiday season as a tribute to all who served, all who still serve, and all who never returned home.

"Keep moving forward," Porter said. "And never forget who moved us forward first."

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon gives a governor's coin to an attendee. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming's adjutant general, place the Wreath of Remembrance in the Capitol Rotunda during the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming's adjutant general, place the Wreath of Remembrance in the Capitol Rotunda during the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Representatives from Wyoming's congressional delegation deliver letters from Sen. John Barrasso, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, and Rep. Harriet Hageman during the Wreaths Across America ceremony, each expressing gratitude for veterans and honoring the sacrifices that protect American freedom. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Tech. Sgt. Peyton Keller of the 153rd Airlift Wing Honor Guard and Sgt. Shad Robinett of Delta Company, 1-297th Infantry Regiment, carried the Wreath of Remembrance into the Wyoming State Capitol Rotunda to begin the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Tech. Sgt. Peyton Keller of the 153rd Airlift Wing Honor Guard and Sgt. Shad Robinett of Delta Company, 1-297th Infantry Regiment, carried the Wreath of Remembrance into the Wyoming State Capitol Rotunda to begin the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)The event opened with Wyoming Veterans Commission Executive Director Tim Sheppard, who welcomed attendees. They gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)The event opened with Wyoming Veterans Commission Executive Director Tim Sheppard, who welcomed attendees. They gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Tech. Sgt. Peyton Keller of the 153rd Airlift Wing Honor Guard and Sgt. Shad Robinett of Delta Company, 1-297th Infantry Regiment, carried the Wreath of Remembrance into the Wyoming State Capitol Rotunda to begin the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)The governor also issued an official proclamation designating Dec. 16, 2025, as Wreaths Across America Day in Wyoming. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon delivers remarks during the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Gordon reminded attendees that "freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage," and urged citizens to teach the next generation the value of servicAttendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Representatives from Wyoming's congressional delegation deliver letters from Sen. John Barrasso, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, and Rep. Harriet Hageman during the Wreaths Across America ceremony, each expressing gratitude for veterans and honoring the sacrifices that protect American freedom. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming's adjutant general, speaks during the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Porter reflected on the national theme, "Keep Moving Forward," and emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Wyoming's veterans and their families. Attendees gather at the Wyoming State Capitol for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring the fallen, veterans and their families, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dec. 8, 2025. The event included remarks from state and military leaders, the laying of the Wreath of Remembrance and a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action. "Freedom survives because ordinary people choose courage over comfort and country over self," Gov. Mark Gordon said. The ceremony highlighted Wyoming's commitment to remembering, honoring and teaching the next generation about the cost of freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)