Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.

Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who have died in service to their country. It is a time to reflect on the cost of war and to appreciate the freedoms that we enjoy because of the brave men and women who have fought and died for our country.

There are many ways to observe Memorial Day. Some people visit cemeteries or memorials to pay their respects to the dead. Others participate in parades or other public events. Many people also take the day off from work and spend time with their families and friends.

This list of nonprofit organizations helps veterans and their families:

Transition Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a nonprofit organization that provides compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS offers peer support, grief counseling, casework assistance, grief education, and a variety of other programs and services.

TAPS was founded in 1994 by Bonnie Carroll, who lost her husband, Air Force Colonel Bruce Carroll, in the crash of an Air Force C-130 aircraft in 1991. Carroll was inspired to start TAPS after she realized that there was no one place for families of fallen service members to turn for support.

TAPS is a national organization with over 20 chapters across the United States. TAPS also has a presence in Europe and Asia. TAPS provides services to all those grieving the death of a military loved one, regardless of the cause of death or the relationship to the service member.

TAPS's programs and services are provided free of charge to all survivors. TAPS is funded by private donations and does not receive any government funding.

Here are some of the programs and services that TAPS offers:

• Peer support: TAPS offers a peer support program that connects survivors with other people who have lost a loved one in the military. Peer support groups are led by trained volunteers who have been through similar experiences.
• Grief counseling: TAPS offers grief counseling services to help survivors cope with their grief. Grief counseling is provided by licensed therapists who specialize in grief and loss.
• Casework assistance: TAPS offers casework assistance to help survivors navigate the complex world of government benefits and entitlements. Caseworkers can help survivors apply for benefits, file claims, and understand their rights.
• Grief education: TAPS offers grief education programs to help survivors learn about the grieving process and how to cope with their grief. Grief education programs are offered in person and online.
• A variety of other programs and services:
• A national helpline
• A website with resources for survivors
• A library of books and articles about grief and loss
• A retreat program for survivors
• A scholarship program for children of fallen service members

The organization is a vital resource for families of fallen service members. TAPS provides compassionate care and support to help families cope with their grief and rebuild their lives.

Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to planning, funding, designing, and building the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The GWOT Memorial will be a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all who have served — especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice — in the nation's longest ongoing conflict to protect our country.

The Foundation is working to raise the necessary funds to build the memorial. The estimated cost of the project is $200 million. The Foundation is also working to secure a location for the memorial on the National Mall.

Here are some of the things that the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation is doing to honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have served in the GWOT:

• Planning, funding, designing, and building the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
• Raising awareness of the GWOT and the sacrifices made by those who have served
• Providing support to veterans and their families
• Advocating for policies that support veterans
• Educating the public about the GWOT

Children of Fallen Patriots

The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. The organization was founded in 2002 by the parents of fallen soldiers who wanted to ensure that the children of these heroes would have the opportunity to pursue a college education.

The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation has provided over $65 million in scholarships to over 2,800 children of fallen service members since its inception. The organization also provides educational counseling and other support services to help these children succeed in college and beyond.

Here are some of the things that the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation does to help the children of fallen service members:

• Provides college scholarships
• Provides educational counseling
• Provides other support services
• Helps children connect with other children who have lost a parent in the line of duty
• Provides resources to help children cope with their loss
• Advocates for policies that support children of fallen service members

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The organization was founded in 2000 by philanthropist Zachary Fisher and his wife, Gigi.

IFHF provides a variety of services to service members and their families, including:

• Financial assistance to help with medical expenses, housing, and other needs
• Support for families of fallen service members
• Educational scholarships for children of fallen service members
• Construction of state-of-the-art treatment centers for service members with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

IFHF has provided over $200 million in support to service members and their families since its inception. The organization has also built three Intrepid Spirit Centers, which provide specialized care for service members with TBI and PTSD.

Here are some of the things that the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund does to support the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families:

• Provides financial assistance
• Provides support for families of fallen service members
• Provides educational scholarships
• Builds state-of-the-art treatment centers
• Advocates for policies that support service members and their families

Navy SEAL Foundation

The Navy SEAL Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides critical support to the warriors, veterans, and families of Naval Special Warfare. 

The Foundation was founded in 1998 by former Navy SEALs and their families who wanted to ensure that the men and women of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and their families had the support they needed to succeed.

The Foundation provides a variety of programs and services to NSW warriors, veterans, and families, including:

• Financial assistance for medical expenses, housing, and other needs
• Educational scholarships
• Family support programs
• Wellness and resiliency programs
• Transition assistance programs
• Advocacy for NSW warriors and their families

The Navy SEAL Foundation has provided over $100 million in support to NSW warriors, veterans, and families since its inception. The organization has also built two Navy SEAL & SWCC Memorials, one at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, and one at the Navy Special Warfare Center and School in Coronado, California.

Here are some of the things that the Navy SEAL Foundation does to support the warriors, veterans, and families of Naval Special Warfare:

• Provides financial assistance
• Provides educational scholarships
• Provides family support programs
• Provides wellness and resiliency programs
• Provides transition assistance programs
• Advocates for NSW warriors and their families

Folded Flag Foundation

The Folded Flag Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that provides educational scholarships and support grants to the spouses and children of military personnel who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.

The organization was founded in 2014 with the mission of honoring the sacrifices of military families by providing them with financial assistance to pursue their educational goals. The Folded Flag Foundation believes that education is a critical tool for helping military families to build a brighter future, and they work to ensure that the children and spouses of fallen or disabled service members have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Since its founding, the Folded Flag Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to military families across the United States. Their impact has been significant, providing educational opportunities to those who might not have had access to them otherwise and helping to ease the financial burden on families who have already sacrificed so much.

Angels of America’s Fallen

Angels of America's Fallen (AoAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support to the children of fallen military and first responders. The organization was founded in 2005 by two mothers who lost their husbands in the Iraq War. AoAF's mission is to "help children of our fallen military and first responders develop into strong and successful adults by providing them positive mentoring and developmental activities at their most crucial developmental phase of life."

AoAF provides a variety of programs and services to children of fallen heroes, including:

• Financial assistance for sports, music, and art activities
• Mentoring and counseling
• Scholarships for college and trade school
• Networking opportunities
• Social events

AoAF is committed to providing comprehensive support to children of fallen heroes. The organization believes that these children deserve the opportunity to thrive, despite the loss of their parents. AoAF is working to make sure that these children have the resources they need to succeed in school, in their careers, and in life.

America’s Gold Star Families

America's Gold Star Families (AGSFO) is a nonprofit organization that provides support to the families of fallen U.S. service members. The organization was founded in 2008 by a group of Gold Star families who wanted to create a space where they could come together to grieve, heal, and support each other.

AGSFO offers a variety of programs and services to Gold Star families, including:

• Bereavement support groups
• Individual counseling
• Financial assistance
• Educational scholarships
• Social events
• Advocacy

AGSFO is committed to providing comprehensive support to Gold Star families. The organization believes that these families deserve the opportunity to heal and thrive, despite the loss of their loved ones. AGSFO is working to make sure that these families have the resources they need to cope with their grief, rebuild their lives, and honor the memory of their fallen loved ones.

Here are some additional information about AGSFO:

• The organization has served over 10,000 Gold Star families since its founding.
• AGSFO has a team of over 50 staff members and volunteers.
• The organization is governed by a board of directors made up of Gold Star family members and other community leaders.
• AGSFO is a member of the Gold Star Families of America, a national organization that supports the families of fallen U.S. service members.

Wingman Foundation

The Wingman Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides immediate post-mishap support for the Navy and Marine Corps Aviation community and their families. The organization was founded in 2014 by three Active Duty Marine Corps aviators who saw firsthand the need for a support network for families affected by aviation mishaps.

The Wingman Foundation provides a variety of services to families affected by aviation mishaps, including:

• Financial assistance for funeral, travel, and lodging costs
• Emotional support and counseling
• Assistance with navigating the military bureaucracy
• Memorial services and tributes
• Scholarships for children of fallen heroes

The Wingman Foundation is committed to providing comprehensive support to families affected by aviation mishaps. The organization believes that these families deserve the opportunity to heal and thrive, despite the loss of their loved one. The Wingman Foundation is working to make sure that these families have the resources they need to cope with their grief, to rebuild their lives, and to honor the memory of their fallen loved ones.

Here are some additional information about the Wingman Foundation:

• The organization has served over 1,000 families since its founding.
• The Wingman Foundation has a team of over 20 staff members and volunteers.
• The organization is governed by a board of directors made up of aviation professionals, family members of fallen heroes, and other community leaders.
• The Wingman Foundation is a member of the National Military Family Association, a national organization that supports military families.

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