Soldier, Son, Friend: Remembering and Honoring Garrett Parker
By Trina Runner on November 09, 2014 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
On November 11, veterans all over the country will be honored. For one local hero, the celebration started a little early. It was at 6:36 on .jpg)
Oct. 29, 1992, that Private First Class Garrett Parker was born. It was at that exact moment on Oct. 29, 2014, that the Bridgeport Cemetery was full of singing and storytelling in his honor, as his friends and family celebrated what would have been his 22nd birthday.
Oct. 29, 1992, that Private First Class Garrett Parker was born. It was at that exact moment on Oct. 29, 2014, that the Bridgeport Cemetery was full of singing and storytelling in his honor, as his friends and family celebrated what would have been his 22nd birthday.
Parker died tragically in May in a motorcycle accident while serving on active duty as a member of the A Company, 1/15th Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Georgia. Through his dedicated service, he was awarded the Army Physical Fitness Training Medal, The Infantry Cord and the Expert Shooter Medal. To those who knew him best, he is not only a soldier, but an unforgettable son, brother and friend who left an indelible imprint on our community.
Parker’s celebration drew quite a crowd.
“About 45 people gathered in the cemetery to share stories and remember all the good times with Garrett,” said friend Lauren Logsdon. “He was like family to us, and we miss him terribly.”
The group put a single cupcake on his grave, lit the candle and sang “Happy Birthday” to him at 6:36.
“Because so many people couldn’t make it to the ceremony, we took iPads and Skyped the ceremony to his family, friends and fellow soldiers so they could all be involved as well,” Logsdon said.
After the memorial service, the group headed to the Bridgeport High School football field. The 2011 graduate of BHS was No. 22 on the field and loved being part of the team. The group took 50 red balloons with handwritten messages to Parker, affectionately known as “GareBear,” and released them as they stood in the center of the field and led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday.” The Hathaway family arranged to have the scoreboard light up with 22s, and the song “Country Roads” played as they entered the field.
“It was such a great tribute to a wonderful guy who made such an impact on everyone who knew him,” Logsdon said.
To further honor him, the Garrett Craig Parker Memorial Scholarship Fund has been set up at Harrison County Bank and donations are welcome.
“In his 21 years, Parker touched countless lives, and the scholarship is just one way he can continue to touch lives even now," said Logsdon.
