Wreaths Across America Team Bridgeport has reached its goal of 1,575 wreaths – enough to be placed on the gravesite of every U.S. veteran buried at Bridgeport Cemetery. The ceremony is set for Saturday. Dec. 15 and one day prior, a semi will roll into town to deliver the greenery, each circular wreath topped with a red bow.

 

Team Bridgeport plans to give the truck a warm welcome.

 

“The kids at the schools will be welcoming the semi, along with a police escort, along with the Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club. We would like others to come along, too,” said Christa Parker, founder of Bridgeport’s Wreaths Across America team.

 

The semi will enter Bridgeport via I-79 at Meadowbrook Exit and travel Johnson Avenue past Johnson Elementary, Bridgeport High and Bridgeport Middle schools – and proceed onto Philadelphia Avenue, down Virginia Avenue and left onto Main Street to Bridgeport Cemetery, located on Route 131.

“The kids are lining the street at about 9:50 a.m. Dec. 14 and the truck will be coming at about 10 a.m.,” Parker said.

 

She encourages residents and business representatives to line Main Street – between Virginia Avenue and Route 131 (near Price Cutter) to welcome the evergreen wreaths to the city, where they will be used to pay tribute to our deceased soldiers. 

 

Area school students have been involved with Team Bridgeport. Simpson Elementary raised $300 for Team Bridgeport and BHS students raised $930.

 

“I want to show the kids what they raised the money for and show them the importance of their fundraisers and how they helped us reach our goal to honor all 1,575 veterans,” Parker said.

 

The Wreaths Across America slogan is “Honor and Teach.”

 

“So, I want to show the Bridgeport community what they helped us do and thank them,” Parker said.

 

The name of the trucking company delivering the wreaths is Harry Ball Trucking. This is also a chance to show the company and its driver how great the Bridgeport community is and how residents always come together in support.

 

“Without our community, family and friends, we wouldn’t be able to honor all our veterans,” she said.

 

Brad Ford will emcee the Dec. 15 ceremony at Bridgeport Cemetery and Emma Guthall will sing the National Anthem. Emma Davidson will sing “Amazing Grace” and Mackinzee Autry – Parker’s great-niece – will give the opening prayer. Pastor Robin Ray of Bridgeport Presbyterian Church will bless the wreaths before they are placed on gravesites. Area Color Guard will participate and there will be trumpet music by Susie Woods. Additional details are being finalized. The ceremony begins at 12 noon sharp.

 

Parker started Team Bridgeport in honor of her son Private First Class Garrett Craig Parker, who passed away May 30, 2014.