Military support nonprofit TAPS to host events throughout Memorial Day weekend

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, also known as TAPS, will welcome more than 2,000 participants to the Washington D.C. area over Memorial Day weekend for its 30th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.

Five days of events culminate with the official ceremonies on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery followed by the National Memorial Day Parade. 

The TAPS seminar, which offers a Good Grief Camp for bereaved children and informative workshops for adults, provides opportunities for survivors to honor the life and service of their loved ones, regardless of the manner of death, the duty status at the time of death or the survivor’s relationship to the fallen, according to a news release. 

Most events take place at TAPS headquarters at 3033 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington.

“Memorial Day is a solemn occasion when Americans unite to honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” Bonnie Carroll, TAPS president and founder and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, said in the release. “For 30 years, TAPS has been a pillar of support for the families of our nation’s fallen heroes, providing unwavering comfort, care, and resources to those grieving the loss of their loved ones who selflessly served our nation."

Through the Good Grief Camp, more than 500 children who have lost a loved one in military service learn coping strategies and connect with other children grieving a similar loss. During the camp, the surviving children are paired with military service members and veterans who serve as trained TAPS Mentors.

TAPS' Memorial Day schedule of events includes:

Friday, May 24

• 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., live stream: Good Grief Camp Opening Ceremony for children, with remarks by Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, former chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

• 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., live stream: Opening Ceremony for adults, with remarks by Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Nearly 500 hundred children gather in 26 locations to write personal messages to loved ones for the 30th Annual TAPS Honor Wreath, which will be delivered to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day.

• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Sons of America’s fallen, ages 13 to 18, learn to shave as a rite of passage alongside their Military Mentor. 

Saturday, May 25

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Workshops and Share Groups for adults.

• 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Off-site Good Grief Camp Jamboree at Joint Base Myer – Henderson Hall.

• 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., live stream: TAPS Grand Banquet led by Chef Robert Irvine’s team and the talented Military Chefs, with remarks by Admm Christopher W. Grady, vice chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, and actor Robert Patrick, with entertainment by Voices of Service.

Sunday, May 26

• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Nearly 500 hundred children gather in 26 locations to write personal messages to loved ones for the 30th Annual TAPS Honor Wreath, which will be delivered to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day.

• 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Volunteers from the U.S. Air Force 89th Maintenance Group, Joint Base Andrews, assemble the TAPS Honor Wreath to lay at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Monday, May 27

• 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Good Grief Camp children and Military Mentors deliver the TAPS Honor Wreath to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

• 2 to 4 p.m.: National Memorial Day Parade.