Horses soar over one of several jumps as they thunder through the open pastureland of Bittersweet Field during the Potomac Hunt Races at at Montevideo in Poolesville , Maryland .
other . He had witnessed first hand the compassionate and caring volunteers and staff from TAPS and thought that organization might be a good fit for the Hunt Race beneficiary . Beverley and Bonnie , both avid and accomplished horsewomen , forged an immediate bond and a partnership that has made a dramatic difference in the support for families grieving the loss of a loved one , regardless of circumstance or branch of the military .
PLENTY sat down with Beverley and Bonnie a few days before the races this May . “ TAPS has been such a great fit for us ,” says Beverley . Bonnie adds , “ especially because Kirk was a horseman , and we ’ re honoring the sacrifices he made and America has made . It ’ s important that we don ’ t forget the sacrifices the military families have made . Kirk didn ’ t have to join the Marine Corps but he did because he loved his country . To bring Kirk present into this event is important to this community .”
Beverley and Rainer Bosselmann sponsor the pony races for riders under 16 years of age , the final event of the day , in honor of their son . “ Kirk loved riding and he was crazy on a horse . He rode at the races , and I think it ’ s a beautiful bridge for the next generation to understand the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform ,” says Beverley .
Bonnie adds how in this country there are beautiful monuments to the fallen and national cemeteries that are absolutely magnificent like Arlington National Cemetery . “ But Beverley is an example of the living legacy of American service and sacrifice . And this race is this community ’ s way to honor her son ’ s service and life and to bring forward who he was .”
Reflecting for a moment on Bonnie ’ s thoughts , Beverley adds , “ I think the key word is preservation , because I want to preserve Kirk ’ s memory , and at the same time , we want to preserve the activity of this area as an agricultural base — this beautiful Agricultural Reserve an hour from the Nation ’ s Capitol . I think that ’ s the key .”
“ TAPS is America ’ s family , continues Bonnie . “ We honor the service and sacrifice of all who have served and died .” The TAPS intake last year of grieving families was almost 9,000 , remarkably while the U . S . is not even at war . Right now 25 families per day are coming to TAPS for support . Regardless of the circumstances of their loss , whether it be spouses , parents , siblings , grandparents , or children , it ’ s about honoring their life and service , in community , celebration and love . “ At TAPS we come alongside families whenever and wherever a death occurs to provide ongoing compassionate
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