The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors will once again be part of Wednesday’s inaugural festivities.
The Biden Inaugural Committee announced the participants of the virtual “Across America Parade” for the Opening Day. Two groups from the DC area were chosen to participate in the parade, including the Survivor’s Tragedy Assistance Program, or TAPS, in Arlington, Virginia.
“We are very proud to be included once again in the inaugural activities, including the inaugural parade,” said TAPS founder and president Bonnie Carroll.
The organization is non-partisan and serves as a safe space for bereaved military families. And it is not the first time that TAPS has participated in an inaugural parade; it has done this at all openings for the past 30 years.
“We welcome our new commander-in-chief, support our military and remember all those who served and died for this flag to which we pay tribute,” said Carroll.
Because of the pandemic, the group will not march down Pennsylvania Avenue. Instead, he recorded a video that will be played during the virtual parade.
The family of Navy Captain David participates in the video. S. Wilson of DC, who died of a heart attack in 2014. Wilson’s widow, Sara Wilson, said she is honored to represent an organization that helped her and her family in the difficult times that followed her husband’s death.
Sara Wilson said she is also moved that President-elect Joe Biden and his inaugural team have decided to honor the families of the military that died.
“The fact that our loss means something, that the president and his team recognized that it means something, and that America recognizes that our loss is not for nothing,” said Sara Wilson.
She and her two children, Christina, 13, and Kate, 9, will appear in the video.
“It was very shocking, but very emotional,” said Kate Wilson, recalling her reaction to the news that she would be featured in the video.
Sara Wilson said she and her family will be keeping an eye on their home appearance and can share a toast with neighbors when it happens.
“We bought some chocolates that say Biden and Harris, so we’ll have some chocolate,” said Sara Wilson.
Also chosen to participate and kick off the DC area parade is Howard University Drumline. HBCU is the alma mater of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
Howard’s musicians and the University of Delaware drums, which is Biden’s alma mater, will be part of the Presidential Escort in DC
The presidential escort will take place after Biden and Harris visit Arlington National Cemetery. All branches of the armed forces must also be represented in the escort, including the US Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard and the Guard of Commander-in-Chief and Fife and Drums of the 3rd US Infantry, also known as “The Old Guard. “
The Biden Inauguration Committee said the parade will include presentations representing all 56 states and territories in the United States, and will be presented by actor and director Tony Goldwyn. Jon Stewart, New Radicals and Andra Day are also expected to participate. See a complete list here.