COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster were joined today by Gold Star families, S.C. Adjutant General Van McCarty, and representatives from the S.C. National Guard's Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) to install a Tree for the Fallen, a Christmas tree commemorating the sacrifices made by South Carolina's Gold Star families and their loved ones. 

The tree, which will remain in the governor's office hallway throughout the holiday season, holds over 600 gold stars, reflecting the loss of South Carolina-connected service members since January 2014. Governor McMaster started the tradition in 2019, and the tree has been a holiday fixture in the Governor's Office each year since. 

Link to video.

The SOS program is a nationwide United States Army program designed to provide long-term support to surviving Families of Fallen Soldiers by assisting with benefit applications, installation access, grief and bereavement counseling, and financial counseling. 

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