CHARLESTON, WV — December 5, 2025

West Virginia residents gathered at the State Capitol Thursday evening as Governor Patrick Morrisey led the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, dedicating this year’s tree to U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe — the two West Virginia National Guard members involved in last week’s Washington, D.C. shooting incident.

According to reporting by WSAZ, attendees assembled on the Capitol steps for the lighting event, which featured performances from local school groups. Governor Morrisey used the moment to publicly honor both service members and acknowledge the impact of their service on the state.

During the ceremony, Governor Morrisey stated in remarks captured on video, “Tonight we lift up both of their families, their friends, and the fellow Guardsmen who stand strong behind them.” This verified quote was delivered during his address before the tree was lit.

WSAZ reported that the 2025 state Christmas tree, a Norway spruce donated by Crickmer Farms in Fayette County, was formally dedicated to Beckstrom and Wolfe. Governor Morrisey had announced earlier in the week that the tree would stand as a symbol honoring their service and sacrifice.

Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, a member of the 863rd Military Police Company, died from her injuries on Thanksgiving. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, of the 167th Airlift Wing, remains in critical condition following the same incident. Both service members were originally recognized by the Governor’s Office in official statements earlier this week, and both have received statewide expressions of support as communities continue to respond to the tragedy.

Following the lighting ceremony, attendees were invited into the West Virginia Culture Center for seasonal activities, including refreshments and holiday displays, details noted in the WSAZ report covering the event and its surroundings.

The dedication of the state Christmas tree served as the central focus of the evening’s gathering, marking the annual transition into the holiday season while drawing attention to the sacrifice and service of two Guard members whose lives and families have become a point of collective reflection across West Virginia.

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Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources

• Governor Patrick Morrisey — video remarks at the tree lighting ceremony as viewed on WSAZ’s webpage.

Secondary Attribution-Based Sources

• WSAZ reporting on the tree lighting ceremony and dedication.
• Prior written statements from the Office of the Governor of West Virginia regarding Spc. Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Wolfe.