LEWISTON – Area veterans gathered at the Lewiston-Auburn Veterans Memorial Park in observance of Armed Forces Day to honor all those who have served in the armed forces, giving special recognition to those serving at home and abroad at the present time.

The program opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” American Legion Post 22 Commander Richard Giem delivered the invocation. Jerry DerBoghosian, president of the USS Canberra Association, read a special proclamation for Armed Forces Day.

Roland Cyr of the Central Maine Marine Corps League gave a history of the U.S. Marine Corps. Paul Corrao, USNR, lieutenant commander (ret.), gave a history of the U.S. Navy. The assembly sang all the Armed Forces hymns under the direction of Roger Renaud, who played the trumpet.

The program concluded with the assembly singing “God Bless America.” “Taps” was sounded by Renaud on the bugle.