» Gold Star tree

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The holiday season is often thought of as a time for joy and happiness. Yet, the time can be painful for those have seen a loved one taken far too soon.

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is honoring fallen heroes and their families with a Gold Star Christmas tree at the Abraham Lincoln President Library and Museum in Springfield.

“All of our service members come from different walks of life,” said Major General Richard Neely, Commander of the Illinois National Guard. “They all serve for different reasons, but they all were brothers and sisters. They were all sons and daughters.”

There are 349 ornaments on the Gold Star tree this year to recognize each Illinoisan who lost their life in combat. Although, roughly 27,000 Illinoisans are listed on the national Gold Star registry dating back to World War II.

“Each of you in this room are bonded both in your heartache and in your sacrifice — a sacrifice that people outside of your community will never fully understand,” said Gov. JB Pritzker.

The governor said the good people of Illinois will always hold these families close to their hearts. The tree shining bright for all to see is an icon for how the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs cares for families in need.

“Our armed forces remain in combat all around the world, and sadly there will be more Gold Star families,” said IDVA Director Terry Prince. “The difference is that the Gold Star families of Illinois will be there to help them, to catch them when they’re falling, to provide the love and support that they’ve come to expect.”

The Illinois Gold Star tree is usually on display in Chicago. However, local lawmakers are proud to have the 2023 tree in Springfield so Gold Star families in Central and Southern Illinois can take a shorter trip to reflect and honor their heroes.

“My heart goes out to Gold Star families,” said Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). “We can never repay you. The sacrifice you bear is so, so hard.”

If you or someone you know is part of a Gold Star family, click here for resources from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

“It has to be a reminder to all of us of the pain and suffering that a Gold Star family has gone through,” Prince explained. “The feeling of that doesn’t go away by just hanging ornaments. But it is just one small way for us to say you’re still with us and you always will be.”