WASHINGTON – The Washington Redskins will host the Saints Sunday, but there will also be some 200 family members of fallen military service members on the sidelines.
Fans might notice a few more people on the field at FedEx before the Redskins take on the Saints. Family members associated with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Surivivors or TAPS, will join in the coin toss and will serve as the honorary coach of the team.
“They’ve lost their heroes in Iraq, Afghanistan and have also lost them here in the states,” says Bonnie Carroll with TAPS.
Many of the family members expected on the field are huge fans of the team, she says.
“There are several beautiful stories of fallen heroes who loved the Redskins; those who knew the score of the game no matter where they were in the world. Heroes who brought their jerseys on deployments. For many families, the last memories they have with their hero is at a game,” she says.
Singer Lee Greenwood will perform his hit Proud to be an American during the ceremony. The Teams for Taps event was coordinated around Veterans Day.
