In November, families decorated the Gold Star Tree at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. After the pledge of allegiance and a prayer on Saturday, they put the ornaments away for next year.
In November, families decorated the Gold Star Tree at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. After the pledge of allegiance and a prayer on Saturday, they put the ornaments away for next year.
But there's something special about these decorations.
"The pictures are there. The names are there, and their branches," said Jon Yuspa with Honor Flight Nevada.
Yuspa said each ornament honors a fallen veteran, either from Northern Nevada or one with family in the region. The tree is helpful for some Gold Star families - those with a loved one who died while serving in the military.
Yuspa said it's harder for others to process their loss in the open.
"Sometimes it's more difficult for them to have their emotions publicly," he said. "And then sometimes they'll tell us it really helps because they know they're not alone. They're not home by themselves. They're out here in the community."
Among the veterans honored is Robert O'Hare. O'Hare served as an Army specialist for five years until his passing in 2021. His parents say the tree is a meaningful tribute to veterans like him.
"It actually means the world to all of us, to have a place to go during the holidays, to be able to celebrate with the veterans, especially our son," said Cindy O'Hare, Robert's mom.
Stephanie Ronecker McLaughlin served for 21 years. She started out in the Army, then the Air Force, and finally as the executive aide for Brigadier General Bill Burks until she passed in 2015.
Her mother, Alberta Sydney Malcolm, says McLaughlin should be remembered not for her accomplishments, but for her pure heart.
"If you knew her, you had to love her. She was the sweetest, kindest person there was," Malcolm said.
Thanks to the Gold Star Tree, veterans like McLaughlin and O'Hare won't be forgotten any time soon.
A year-round memorial for Gold Star families can be found at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks.
