Press Release: Gov. Evers and First Lady Invite Military Families to Share Ornaments for 2026 Tribute to Our Troops Tree at Executive Residence

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 11/02/2026 09:28 AM CST
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers and First Lady Invite Military Families to Share Ornaments for 2026 Tribute to Our Troops Tree at Executive Residence 
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers invite the public and Wisconsin military families to contribute ornaments for this year’s “Tribute to Our Troops” holiday tree at the Executive Residence to honor all those who have served or are currently serving in the nation’s Armed Forces.

“We owe our service members a tremendous debt of gratitude, and the ‘Tribute to Our Troops’ tree is a tradition Kathy and I have been glad to continue as part of our annual holiday celebrations at the Wisconsin Executive Residenceeach year,” said Gov. Evers. “Especially during the holidays, as so many are away from home or missing loved ones who are no longer with us,it is an honor to recognize the service and sacrifices made by those who have served our nation or are currently serving and their families and the incredible contributions of our state’s veteran and military communities.”

The Tribute to Our Troops Tree tradition began in 2005 and honors Wisconsin service members who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ornaments can be sent in honor of Wisconsin service members, past and present, in Wisconsin and abroad. The invitation is open to families of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guard members. All ornaments are welcome and can be personalized to honor fallen service members, those who are deployed overseas this holiday season, and all who wear the uniforms of the nation’s armed forces. Please note that ornaments will not be returned to senders.

To be included as part of this year’s “Tribute to Our Troops” tree, ornaments must be received no later than Mon., Nov. 16, 2026, at:

Troops Tree Ornaments  
3110 Mitchell St. 
Madison, WI 53704

The ornaments will be displayed at the Executive Residence throughout the month of December. The ornaments and the “Tribute to Our Troops” tree can be viewed as part of the residence’s holiday tours. As space is limited, individuals interested in a tour must pre-register at the Wisconsin Executive Residence website. Residence tours will be available during the following dates and times:
  • Sat., Dec. 5: 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Tues., Dec. 8: 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Tues., Dec. 15: 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 
  • Thurs., Dec. 17: 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 
  • Sat., Dec. 19: 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 
 
An online version of this release is available here.
###