TAPS Families to Join Wreaths Across America to Place Holiday Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery
Annual Event Remembers Fallen Military Heroes and Gives Families an Opportunity to Honor Their Loved Ones
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Dec. 12, 2017
ARLINGTON, Va. -– One of the time-honored traditions in the Washington area is the placement of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. Again this year, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will join Wreaths Across America on Saturday, Dec 16 to place a holiday wreath at every grave.
“Dozens of family members who have lost a loved one who served in the military will honor their hero with this tradition,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “The holidays can be an especially difficult time for those grieving the loss of a family member or friend, whether they served in the military or not. Activities such as this, which acknowledge the absence of the loved one and helps to connect us with them, are one way to cope with grief that can seem overwhelming for many this time of year.”
Media are invited to take photos or video of TAPS families as they place the wreaths and to talk with them about honoring their loved ones through their participation in this tradition. TAPS representatives will also be available for interviews about coping with grief during the holidays, about families’ participation in the event and other related topics.
Media can begin arriving at Arlington National Cemetery when the gates open at 8:30 a.m. TAPS will have a table at the corner of Halsey Drive and York Drive, between sections 59 and 60, where the Iraq and Afghanistan fallen are interred; we will remain onsite until 11 a.m. To arrange an interview with a TAPS family or representative, please contact Christine Fuentes at christine.fuentes@taps.org or at (540) 219-5636.
Please note media access for the cemetery must be coordinated separately with Arlington National Cemetery Public Affairs Office by calling (877) 907-8585 or via email at arlingtoncemetery.pao@mail.mil.
ABOUT TAPS
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes and has offered support to more than 70,000 surviving family members of our fallen military and their caregivers since 1994. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, case work assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free TAPS resource and information helpline at 1.800.959.TAPS (8277).