On Memorial Day, our nation will pause to honor and remember all those who have served and died on behalf of our nation. But, for anyone grieving a military loss, each day is Memorial Day – a day to honor the service and sacrifice of their loved ones, a day to miss them, a day to share their story and carry their legacy forward.
You, too, can honor their loss by taking time on Memorial Day to pause with your own family and friends, and reflect on all those who have served and died, including by attending a Memorial Day Parade or visiting a Veterans or national cemetery near you. We should all remember for survivors of military loss that every day is Memorial Day.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) understands and has been here each and every day for 27 years with open arms and hearts to welcome anyone grieving a military loss.
Bonnie Carroll (TAPS Founder, right) with a TAPS Legacy Mentor and Surviving Child Attending a TAPS Good Grief Camp.
What is TAPS?
Founded by Bonnie Carroll, who turned the tragedy of losing her husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll, in an Army plane crash in 1992, into a purposeful effort to support other survivors, TAPS is the leading national organization providing compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes.
Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to all those grieving the death of a military loved one through peer-based emotional support, connections with grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and the 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline, all at no cost to surviving families.
Surviving families have turned to TAPS for support. They have turned to TAPS for hope. They have turned to TAPS to light their path and to walk alongside them, as they navigate their grief journey.
TAPS today
Twenty-one newly bereaved survivors come to TAPS each day for resources and care. The need is great and growing. In 2020 and thus far in 2021, the families of those service members and Veterans who have died by suicide or illness, as a result of exposures to toxins while serving overseas, represent the largest population of new survivors turning to TAPS for resources and care.
How can I get involved?
On this Memorial Day and throughout the year, you can honor all those who have served and died by supporting the families left behind. You need look no further than TAPS to find meaningful and impactful ways to do so. From volunteering in support of grieving children as Military Mentors (open to active duty military and Veterans) at our National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp, to simply hosting a Facebook Fundraiser, there are many ways to help. Learn more at taps.org/support.
TAPS is here for all those grieving a military loss
If you know someone grieving the loss of a military loved one, or if you, yourself, have lost someone in service, including a friend or battle buddy, TAPS is always here 24/7 at 800.959.TAPS or via taps.org.
The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on part of VA.
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