Wyoming honors Gold Star Families in annual ornament ceremony

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Wyoming National Guard

By Joseph Coslett Jr.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Families, Soldiers, Airmen, and state leaders gathered Dec. 8, 2025, inside the
Governor's Ceremonial Conference Room for the Wyoming Gold Star and Families of the Fallen
Christmas Tree Ornament Ceremony in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Hosted by Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon, the ceremony brought together members of Wyoming's military community during a time of year that can heighten both remembrance and grief.

The event emphasized the state's continued commitment to stand with families who carry the
weight of loss.

"Wyoming cherishes its military community," said Maj. Jackie Morey, the emcee, as the ceremony.

"As the holidays approach, we are especially mindful of the families who bear the weight of that
shadow, those who have lost loved ones in service to our state and nation."

Gov. Gordon thanked the families for their strength and spoke of the enduring bond Wyoming shares with its service members. He reflected on a line once written on a guard shack wall during World War II, reminding those present that the sacrifices of Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines are never forgotten in this state.

His remarks called the ceremony a moment to honor both the fallen and the families who
continue their legacy.

Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming's adjutant general, spoke about the meaning of sacrifice and the significance of gathering during the holiday season. He noted that each ornament placed on the tree represents a life remembered and a family forever connected to the Wyoming National Guard.

"These ornaments represent your continued commitment to remember your loved ones' sacrifice."

Porter said. "This tree, these ornaments, are only a symbol of the love, admiration, and respect we hold for you and your families."

One of the most emotional moments came when Madison McAdams read a poem written by her father, Gold Star father Brian McAdams, in memory of CW3 Andrew McAdams. The poem spoke of fading sunsets, enduring memories, and the way courage carries forward through generations. Its reflection on the "ultimate sacrifice, never forgotten… forever in our hearts" drew quiet nods across the room.

Families then approached the Governor's Christmas tree one by one to hang their personal ornaments. The First Lady met each family at the tree and offered a small token of appreciation on behalf of the Governor's Office.

Service members honored represented branches across the military, including the
Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Distinguished guests followed, placing ornaments for families who could not attend, ensuring every fallen service member named in the ceremony was remembered. A moment of silence closed the event.

"We wish all of Wyoming's Families of the Fallen could be here to share this day with us," Morey said.

"Let us keep them and their enduring sacrifices in our hearts during this

Attendees bowed their heads during a moment of silence to honor Wyoming's fallen service members on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The pause allowed families and guests to reflect on the service and sacrifice of their loved ones. "Let us keep their enduring sacrifices in our hearts this season," Morey said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Gold Star Families, state and military leaders gathered for the annual Gold Star and Families of the Fallen Christmas Tree Ornament Ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The event honored fallen service members through personal ornaments placed on the Governor's Christmas tree and featured remarks from Gov. Mark Gordon, First Lady Jennie Gordon and Maj. Gen. Gregory C. Porter. "We are honored to walk beside you, not just today but always," Gordon said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Gold Star Families placed personalized ornaments on the Governor's Christmas tree during the annual remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Each ornament honored a fallen service member. "Every ornament carries a story, a name and a love that endures," Morey said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Distinguished guests placed ornaments for families unable to attend the Gold Star remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Leaders from across Wyoming's military and government honored fallen service members from multiple branches. "Even when families cannot be here, their loved ones are remembered in our hearts," a speaker said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Gold Star Families, state and military leaders gathered for the annual Gold Star and Families of the Fallen Christmas Tree Ornament Ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The event honored fallen service members through personal ornaments placed on the Governor's Christmas tree and featured remarks from Gov. Mark Gordon, First Lady Jennie Gordon and Maj. Gen. Gregory C. Porter. "We are honored to walk beside you, not just today but always," Gordon said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Distinguished guests placed ornaments for families unable to attend the Gold Star remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Leaders from across Wyoming's military and government honored fallen service members from multiple branches. "Even when families cannot be here, their loved ones are remembered in our hearts," a speaker said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Distinguished guests placed ornaments for families unable to attend the Gold Star remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Leaders from across Wyoming's military and government honored fallen service members from multiple branches. "Even when families cannot be here, their loved ones are remembered in our hearts," a speaker said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Distinguished guests placed ornaments for families unable to attend the Gold Star remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Leaders from across Wyoming's military and government honored fallen service members from multiple branches. "Even when families cannot be here, their loved ones are remembered in our hearts," a speaker said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Distinguished guests placed ornaments for families unable to attend the Gold Star remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Leaders from across Wyoming's military and government honored fallen service members from multiple branches. "Even when families cannot be here, their loved ones are remembered in our hearts," a speaker said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Madison McAdams read a poem written by her father, Gold Star father Brian McAdams, in memory of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew McAdams during the ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The poem reflected on memory, loss and enduring courage. "The ultimate sacrifice, never forgotten, will always be a part of our lives," Brian McAdams wrote. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Attendees bowed their heads during a moment of silence to honor Wyoming's fallen service members on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The pause allowed families and guests to reflect on the service and sacrifice of their loved ones. "Let us keep their enduring sacrifices in our hearts this season," Morey said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Maj. Jacque Morey welcomed Gold Star Families and guests during the annual Gold Star and Families of the Fallen Christmas Tree Ornament Ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The event brought together military members, state leaders and families to honor Wyoming's fallen service members. "Your presence fills this room with a meaning that words can hardly capture," Morey said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Gold Star Families placed personalized ornaments on the Governor's Christmas tree during the annual remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Each ornament honored a fallen service member. "Every ornament carries a story, a name and a love that endures," Morey said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Gold Star Families placed personalized ornaments on the Governor's Christmas tree during the annual remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Each ornament honored a fallen service member. "Every ornament carries a story, a name and a love that endures," Morey said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Gold Star Families placed personalized ornaments on the Governor's Christmas tree during the annual remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Each ornament honored a fallen service member. "Every ornament carries a story, a name and a love that endures," Morey said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)Gold Star Families placed personalized ornaments on the Governor's Christmas tree during the annual remembrance ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Each ornament honored a fallen service member. "Every ornament carries a story, a name and a love that endures," Morey said. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)