Within a month of the deadline for ordering, Team Bridgeport is making a final push for the local Wreaths Across America program.

Christa Parker, who founded the local project in 2016, said 633 wreaths have been ordered to be placed on graves of U.S. military men and women buried at Bridgeport Cemetery. 

 

"We need 942 more to reach our goal of 1,575 so we can honor every veteran buried in the Bridgeport Cemetery," Parker said. "The last day to donate is Dec. 3."

 

Parker started the program in Bridgeport in 2016, in honor of her son Private First Class Garrett Parker, who died suddenly in 2014. She and her family have been mindful of ways to boost wreath orders and even win wreaths through Wreaths Across America. Twice, the Parker family has won the national Pictures of Patriotism Contest, earning 100 free wreaths each time.

 

She has also been successful in winning wreaths by participating in a map activity through the Wreaths Across America Web site. After placing an order for a wreath at the cost of $15, the purchaser can comment on a U.S. map – located on the Wreaths Across America Team Bridgeport Facebook page - which state he or she represents. All 50 states have been colored in, winning Team Bridgeport free wreaths.

 

Awareness activities are always helpful in spreading the word about Wreaths Across America. Team Bridgeport has had a presence at various area parades, festivals and other events. On Monday, Nov. 12, the group will enter a float in the Veterans Day Parade in downtown Clarksburg.

 

"We are also signing up our float for the Clarksburg Christmas Parade on Nov. 30 and the Bridgeport Christmas Parade on Dec. 1," Parker said.

 

A Traveling Veteran Tree has also been a useful tool in promoting Wreaths Across America. On Tues., Nov. 13, the tree will be displayed just inside the front entrance of Bridgeport Municipal Building. 

 

Also implemented has been an annual fundraiser at The Starving Artist. Members of the public can create an Americana painting for $45. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Wreaths Across America project. 

 

"So far, we will be able to honor 60 veterans from the 30 people who are registered for the fundraiser," Parker said. 

 

There are room for more. Sign up HERE.

 

This year’s wreath-laying ceremony will be Saturday, Dec. 15, beginning at noon. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

 

In 2016, Team Bridgeport raised 1,093 wreaths and in 2017, that increased to 1,171 wreaths. 

 

Wreaths can be purchased for delivery to Bridgeport Cemetery HERE.