Wreaths Across America Needs Final Push to Cover all Veterans Graves for the Holidays
By Julie Perine on November 20, 2023
Just a month out from the annual Wreaths Across America program, Team Bridgeport is short of its goal by about 600 wreaths. Since the program began in 2016, the goal was to place an evergreen wreath on the grave of every U.S. veteran laid to rest at Bridgeport Cemetery.
That total has grown to about 1,700.
“Veterans have given so much that we can do just a little for their families,” said Hank Murray, who volunteers with Team Bridgeport. “If we don’t put wreaths on all the veterans’ graves, we aren’t doing our job.”
The wreaths cost $17 each and can be purchased HERE. The deadline to purchase a wreath is Friday, Dec. 1.
Wreaths Across America was brought to Bridgeport in 2016 by Christa Parker after she and her husband Master Sgt. Christopher Parker lost their son, Private First Class Garrett Parker, in a 2014 traffic accident.
Each year, a ceremony is held at Bridgeport Cemetery as family members and volunteers lay the wreaths on the veterans’ graves. The ceremony includes special music, remarks, and a 21-gun salute to honor veterans. This year's Dec. 16 ceremony begins at noon. Details will follow.
Murray is confident that the need will be met.
“Bridgeport always tends to step up when help is needed,” he said.
