Families of those who've died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at the National Harbor this Memorial Day weekend for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors' 15th annual National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp, designed to provide comfort to those families.
On the surface it was like any other Memorial Day celebration, but underneath, there was a different purpose and a deeper meaning. Behind the laughter and controlled chaos, there were individual stories of loss and pain.
The adults leaned on each other. The children were assigned individual mentors.
"We try to match up a child of a fallen Marine with a Marine, and they immediately get that bond because, 'Hey, my dad was a Marine.' 'Hey, well I'm a Marine. Let's talk,'" group leader Shawn Callan said.
Founder Bonnie Carroll, whose husband was killed in a helicopter crash 17 years ago, said the exercises and counseling are designed to direct the emotions after a heartbreaking loss.
And as they wrapped up the weekend, participants connected at what's become the highlight of the camp: the release of balloons in honor of their loved ones.
