LEWISTON – Veterans from area organization gathered at Veterans Memorial Park recently to commemorate the anniversary of Armed Forces Day as designated on the third Saturday of May by the President Harry S. Truman in 1947.

The program opened with an invocation by Service Officer and Trustee Joseph Paradis, Post 22, American Legion, and Military Order of the Purple Heart 2699.

The origin of Armed Forces Day was told by Bert LaFrance, past commander, state of Maine, Military Order of the Purple Heart 2699.

A proclamation was read honoring those who have served in the Armed Forces, past and present, for their dedication and for their families. Jerry DerBoghosian, president emeritus, U.S.S. Canberra Reunion Association, gave the proclamation.