Arlington-based TAPS to participate in the inaugural Biden Parade

Biden’s inauguration committee has announced the participants of the virtual “Parade Across America” ​​for the opening day. Two groups from the DC area were chosen to participate in the parade, including the Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors, or TAPS, in Arlington, Virginia.

“We are very proud to be included 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 grieving military families. And this is not the first time that TAPS has participated in an inaugural parade; he has done this for every grand opening over the past 30 years.

“We welcome our new Commander-in-Chief, we support our military and we remember all who served and died for this flag to which we honor,” said Carroll.

Due to the pandemic, the group will not be walking on 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 was honored to represent an organization that has helped her and her family through difficult times which followed the death of her husband.

Sara Wilson said she was also moved that President-elect Joe Biden and his inaugural team decided to honor the families of the deceased service members.

“The fact that our loss means something, that the president and his team have 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 exciting,” 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 watching their appearance from home and possibly sharing a toast with the neighbors when it does.

“We bought chocolates that say Biden and Harris on it, so we’ll have chocolate,” said Sara Wilson.

Howard University Drumline was also chosen to participate and launch the parade from the Washington area. The 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. Each branch of the military should also be represented in the escort, including the US Army Marching Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard and Commander-in-Chief’s Guard and the Fife and Drum Corps of the 3rd Regiment. American infantry, also called “The Old Guard.”

Biden’s inaugural committee said the parade will include performances representing all 56 U.S. states and territories and will be hosted by actor and director Tony Goldwyn. Jon Stewart, New Radicals and Andra Day are also expected to participate. See a full list here.