BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Organizers of the annual Wreaths Across America campaign are asking Kern County residents to help honor thousands of veterans buried at Bakersfield National Cemetery this December.
According to volunteer Mary Stratton, the goal is to place a wreath at the gravesite of each of the 8,540 veterans laid to rest at the cemetery.
Stratton said organizers are currently only halfway toward reaching that goal.
Bakersfield Police Assistant Chief Ted King and Stratton joined ARC Bakersfield to discuss the campaign and the need for additional sponsors.
Each wreath costs $17 to sponsor, with a deadline of Friday, Nov. 20.
The campaign comes ahead of Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, providing an opportunity for the community to remember those who served.
Residents interested in sponsoring a wreath can visit the Wreaths Across America website and select the red “Sponsor” button.
The wreaths will be placed at Bakersfield National Cemetery in December.