With Projects in Place to Boost this Year's Total, Team Bridgeport Wreaths Across America in Full Swing
By Julie Perine on October 08, 2017 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Team Bridgeport Wreaths Across America is in full swing. Team leader Christa Parker encourages area residents to visit the WAA Web site to order wreaths which will be delivered to Bridgeport Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony to be held Dec. 16
“We have 52 more days to donate as the cut-off date for donations is Nov. 27,” Parker said. “Last year, we had 1100 wreaths donated and this year our goal is 1575.”
The current wreath count for this year is 290, she said.
A number of programs are in place to boost this year’s campaign. A U.S. map fundraiser yielded 138 wreaths as donations have been received or on behalf of every state, Parker said. Another 100 wreaths were awarded by Team Bridgeport .jpg)
winning the Pictures of Patriotism photo contest.
winning the Pictures of Patriotism photo contest.
Locally, upcoming fundraisers are scheduled at Bob Evans and The Starving Artist.
Customers dining in or ordering take-out from Bob Evans Nov. 8-9 will help the cause. When presenting a flyer for the benefit (seen here in this post), 15 percent of patrons’ bill totals will benefit Team Bridgeport. 
A painting class at The Starving Artist, to be held 6 p.m. Nov. 7, will also generate funds to purchase wreaths for Team Bridgeport. The class, which can accommodate 25 people, cost $45 per person; $20 to be donated for wreath purchases.
A traveling veteran tree has served as an effective awareness tool. Bearing tags with directions to donate wreaths, the tree has been stationed at various local businesses and events.
“I’d like to say a big thank-you to our local restaurants and establishments that allowed us to place our traveling veteran tree for a week,” Parker said.
The Dec. 16 ceremony at Bridgeport Cemetery will start at 12 noon.
“It will be much like last year’s ceremony,” Parker said. “Brad Ford will serve as emcee and the 459th Engineering Company will present ceremonial wreaths to the families with grave requests. The Harrison County Honor Guard will also take part.”
It is Parker’s passion to remember our country’s fallen soldiers, honor all who serve and teach children the value of freedom.
Since initiating Team Bridgeport, it has been her desire to place a wreath on the gravesite of every single soldier laid to rest at Bridgeport Cemetery. It’s about more than the wreath. It’s taking a moment to say that soldier’s name and reflect on his or her sacrifice, she said.
Though Parker and her husband Master Sergeant Chris Parker are current residents of Michigan, they consider Bridgeport home. The Parkers’ son, Private First Class Garrett Craig Parker was a Bridgeport High School graduate and member of the BHS football team. He was tragically killed in a 2014 Memorial Day weekend motorcycle accident outside of the state.
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When Parker learned about Wreaths Across America, she set the wheels in motion to incorporate the program at Bridgeport Cemetery, where her son was laid to rest. She and daughter Jennifer Hathaway took it upon themselves to walk the entire cemetery and record locations of all veteran graves.
Wreaths are $15 each and purchases for Team Bridgeport (Code M10121) can be made HERE. Stay up to date at the Team Bridgeport Wreaths Across America Facebook page.
Editor's Note: Pictured top/cover are Parker, Hathaway and other Team Bridgeport members taking part in this year's Bridgeport High School homecoming parade. Also pictured is Parker and team members with the traveling veteran tree at National Night Out 2017.
