Vet News: “Behind Every Folded Flag is a Family” PSA Shares Work by TAPS to Help Families of our Fallen Military

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – WASHINGTON –

“Behind every folded flag is a family,” says a new video public service announcement for TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The brief video shows a few of the 30,000 people who have benefited from the care TAPS offers to anyone grieving the death of someone who served in the Armed Forces.

The video shows the faces of widows, sons, daughters, parents and other family members who must pick up the pieces of shattered lives. They don’t have to do it alone, thanks to TAPS, where they can connect with others who’ve experienced a similar loss and understand.

The nonprofit charity needs the help of the public and media outlets to get the message out. TAPS hopes online viewers will share the public service announcement via YouTube and post it on other websites. The video can be viewed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/SupportTAPS

Media outlets can also assist by donating advertising time for the announcement. If you would like to request a link to a high-resolution digital download so you can replay the public service announcement, a broadcast-quality DVD to air on television, or a tape of the PSA to air on television, please contact Ami Neiberger-Miller, 202.588.8277, [email protected].

“We encourage media outlets seeking to provide programming related to the Memorial Day holiday to consider using the TAPS public service announcement. It’s a patriotic message of hope that offers comfort to those who are grieving and inspires the public to act,” said Ami Neiberger-Miller, TAPS public affairs officer.

“Memorial Day is about honoring and remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” said Neiberger-Miller. “We may also be able to set up a news interview with a surviving family involved with TAPS that would like to share the story of their loved one who died in service to country.”

Another way for media outlets and the public to get involved is through the Give a Thousand Thanks project, where anyone can post a thank you message, photo or video for the families of the fallen on www.GiveAThousandThanks.org. Messages and images will be displayed during the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar & Good Grief Camp over Memorial Day Weekend in Washington, DC, which is attended by more than 1,000 surviving family members of our fallen military.

It takes on average, 5-7 years for families that have experienced a traumatic death to reach a “new normal.” TAPS provides Good Grief Camps for children, seminars for adults, peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, case work assistance and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces.

TAPS services are provided free of charge through donations made by citizens, corporations and foundations. TAPS was founded in 1994 out of tragedy by bereaved military families. For more information about TAPS go to taps.org or call the toll-free helpline at 800.959.TAPS.

TAPS Video PSA Can Be Shared Online via YouTube & Broadcast on Television

Media contact: Ami Neiberger-Miller, 202.588.8277, [email protected]