Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. – Upon first glance, the tree at the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Headquarters front entrance might seem like just another piece of holiday décor or one of the hundreds of trees decorated around the base this time of year.
But take a closer look, and you will discover it holds a deeper meaning. This tree is special. The Honor the Fallen Tribute Tree reflects the courage of those who paid the ultimate price in service to the Nation. The tree holds 42 ornaments, each engraved with the name of a fallen service member laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. It tells the story of a life, a service, and the sacrifice it represents.
“At its core, the Honor the Fallen Tribute Tree serves as a reminder,” said Ashleigh Carlin, Gold Star family member and military spouse. “As we gather with our loved ones during the holiday season, it encourages us to pause and remember those who are no longer with us.”
Ashleigh and her husband, Army Sergeant First Class Trevor Carlin, who serves as U.S. Army Caisson Platoon Sergeant for the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and their children placed the tree at Regimental Headquarters earlier this month. This is the second year the family has installed a tree here since being stationed at JBM-HH in 2023.
Ashleigh’s brother, Army Corporal Michael Pursel, was killed in action in 2007 while serving in Iraq and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
“As a Gold Star Sibling, I initiated the Honor the Fallen Tribute Tree project to honor and raise awareness of the ultimate sacrifice made by our nation’s heroes,” Ashleigh explained. “What began as a simple, yet meaningful act has grown significantly over the years.”
The Carlins’ work began in 2020 at Fort Drum, N.Y., where Ashleigh and her family grew this initiative from a single tree to multiple trees, allowing more names to be honored. By winter 2022, ornaments on four trees across the post displayed the names of every fallen Soldier from the 10th Mountain Division.
“My husband and I were humbled by the overwhelming support we received from the community,” Ashleigh said. “The tribute initiative expanded each year as additional units and organizations eagerly offered to host trees in remembrance.”
For Ashleigh, the purpose of the tree is to remind Gold Star families that their loved ones are not forgotten and that they are not alone, especially during the holidays, when the absence of their fallen heroes is felt the most.
“These trees are more than decorations,” she said. “They are symbols of remembrance, inviting reflection and inspiring education for all who encounter them. They stand as a testament to the legacies of our fallen heroes, ensuring their sacrifices are neither forgotten nor taken for granted.”
“We hope that as people gather around the tribute tree, they will take a moment to read the names on the ornaments aloud and feel inspired to learn more about their stories. These small acts keep their legacies alive,” she added. “We, alongside countless Gold Star families, find solace in knowing that the memory and impact of our loved one’s sacrifice is far from fading away.”
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