Typically, Christa Parker and Team Bridgeport are campaigning for Wreaths Across America purchases until the final hour.

 

This year, thanks to a generous community, their goal was met early. Well before the cutoff date of Dec. 2, Team Bridgeport’s goal of 1,600 wreaths was met. That means wreaths will be placed on the gravesite of every U.S. military member laid to rest at Bridgeport Cemetery.

 

The ceremony is set for Saturday, Dec. 14 at 12 p.m. sharp between Memorial Orchard and Poplar at Bridgeport Cemetery. Brad Ford will once again serve as emcee and Pastor Robin Ray will provide prayer in a ceremony which will include special music, military flag and wreath presentation, the reading of tribute requests, the laying of wreaths and refreshments.

 

“We have three singers this year. Of course, Emma Guthall will sing ‘The National Anthem,’ Aaliyah Inman will sing ‘Amazing Grace’ and Alyssa Dent will sing ‘Country Roads’ to close us out, followed by ‘Taps,’” Parker said.

 

Parker implemented the Wreaths Across America program in 2015 after the 2014 death of her son, Private First-Class Garrett Parker, a Bridgeport High School graduate and athlete who went on to serve his country through the U.S. Army. It was her passion that the gravesite of every U.S. military member buried at Bridgeport Cemetery would be decorated with a wreath during the holiday season. In the program’s first year, 1,100 wreaths were purchased. The next two years yielded 1,093 and 1,575 wreaths, respectively.

 

“Every year, it goes better and better as word gets out,” Parker said.

 

In addition to media attention, Team Bridgeport has a traveling veterans’ tree that is stationed at various businesses and makes appearances at parades and special events.

 

Those who want to lay a wreath on the grave of a specific soldier are asked to check in at he grave request table, Parker said.

 

The ceremony is expected to last about 45 minutes. Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies will be available throughout the ceremony. Anyone who would like to donate cookies can bring them to the cemetery office anytime the week of Dec. 9-13. It would be helpful, but not necessary, for cookies to be placed in zip-style baggies and please label any cookies including peanuts or peanut butter.

 

This week, Parker and some volunteers placed survey flags on each gravesite where wreaths are to be placed. It was a labor of love, but one well worth it. Parker said she is thrilled and thankful that this year’s goal was met, even exceeded.

 

“We have 200 wreaths toward next year’s goal already because donations just kept coming and coming,” she said.

 

Wreaths will be welcomed into the community Friday, Dec. 13. Residents, business owners, school students, teachers and personnel are asked to line the sidewalks to welcome the Wreaths Across America rig. The driver will enter via Johnson Avenue, pass Johnson Elementary, Bridgeport High and Bridgeport Middle schools, proceeding down Philadelphia Avenue to Main Street.