On May 29, 2016, Bridgeport’s brand new Veterans Memorial was dedicated with a ceremony that included a 21-gun salute by the Harrison County Honor Guard. The establishment of the memorial – located just off East Main Street – was a longtime coming and its completion was met with open arms, many members of the public attending the historic occasion.

 

Bridgeport resident and U.S. veteran Tom Leonette has been part of the project all along. He approached Bridgeport City Council with the idea and was part of the planning committee. Leonette said he is very pleased that the memorial has become an integral part of the city. With the first Memorial Day since its inception approaching, he talked to members of Bridgeport City Council about also establishing an annual event.

 

That project has been given a green light.

 

“We’re going to have coffee, donuts and water – and also give out American flags – to anyone who wants to stop by, chat, look at the memorial and maybe tell some stories,” he said. “We’ll get something started this year and maybe it will become bigger next year.”

 

A tent will be set up at the memorial between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The City of Bridgeport is providing coffee and American flags. Leonette’s son, Dr. James Leonette, is providing donuts for the occasion. Assisting with the event will be American Legion Post 68.

 

As was done for the 2016 dedication ceremony and again in observance of Veterans Day 2016, a series of large American flags will be stationed around the perimeter of the memorial grounds, along East Main Street.

 

It won’t be completed for the Memorial Day event, but Leonette said that soon five white dogwood trees will be planted at the memorial, one behind each of the five massive granite pillars which represent five branches of the military – Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines.

 

Already ordered through a local greenhouse, the trees will be at least 10 feet tall each and will further enhance the beauty of the monument, Leonette said.

 

Memorial Day has also been observed through the American Legion’s annual project of working alongside local Boy Scouts to place small American flags on more than 1,300 U.S. veterans’ graves at Bridgeport Cemetery. That work was completed Thursday. See photos HERE.

 

Bridgeport Cemetery will be the site of a Memorial Day observance taking place 12 noon to 3 p.m. Members of the public are also invited and encouraged to attend that ceremony, which will be followed by refreshments and fellowship. Read more about it HERE.