Posted by Lauren Baker on April 03, 2015 at 2:05 PM
Over the past year, we at Yellow Ribbons United have been working closely with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS for short. We share a common goal that is as simple as it is important: to bring healing and hope to the children of fallen service members. Our partnership with TAPS has allowed us to put on two truly amazing events for these children over the past year.
The sun was shining bright last Memorial Day for our PlayField in the Park, right on rolling green lawns of the National Mall. There was a picnic lunch, sports activates, tea parties, cupcakes, and a bouncy castle! There were even some former members of the Washington Redskins football team there to join in the fun. It was heartwarming to give these children, many of whom have lost a parent or a loved one in the service, a chance to have fun, make friends, and just be kids.
The same was true at our magical Winter Wonderland event last holiday season. We decked the halls with tinsel and snow, and gave military families the chance to enjoy the magic of the holidays with their children. Memories were made, gingerbread was decorated, and the children of our fallen heroes were reminded how special and how loved they are.
Events like these mean so much to children who have lost a parent or a loved one. Even just connecting them with other children who share similar experiences allows them to realize they aren’t alone. Without TAPS, our sponsors, or our supporters, we wouldn’t be able to give them that gift. Click the video below to learn more about these events or visit our website to learn how you can help in the future.