Washington, DC - Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and the U.S. Navy, in conjunction with other services, hosted approximately 300 survivors and caregivers associated with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) at the Pentagon May 22.

Presenting a coin to each TAPS child, Carter said, "Welcome home," setting the visit's theme of the Pentagon being a home for both survivors and counselors. Inside, the U.S. Navy Band Country Current, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, and Naval Aviators greeted TAPS members. Participants also enjoyed hands on exhibitions geared toward both educating guests about the U.S. Navy and having fun.

One exhibition challenged TAPS members to fold a paper airplane and land it successfully on a table taped to resemble an aircraft carrier flight deck. Additionally, Naval Aviators outfit guests with flight gear and posed for pictures.

Surviving parents, spouses, children, siblings, and others grieving the death of a service member are gathering for the 2015 TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp May 21 through May 25 in Arlington, VA with events scheduled throughout the Washington area.

TAPS is a national organization providing care for the families of America's fallen military heroes and has offered support to more than 50,000 surviving family members of fallen military and their caregivers since 1994. This year, TAPS strives to emphasize the focus around Memorial Day to the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.

Further, TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, 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.

For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free TAPS resource and information helpline at 1.800.959.TAPS (8277).