Armed Forces Day observed

LEWISTON – Veterans and friends gathered at the Veterans Memorial Park to observe Armed Forces Day.
The program opened with the “Pledge of Allegiance,” followed by an invocation by the Rev. Steven Crowson, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. Also included in the program was a proclamation read by Jerry DerBoghosian; guest speaker Sen. Margaret Craven; a message from Rep. Peggy Rotundo read by Craven; and the singing of “God Bless America” by the assembly.

In 1950, the President of the United States proclaimed the third Saturday of May as Armed Forces Day, which marks the unification of the military services and the creation of the Department of Defense as provided for the National Security of 1947. Armed Forces Day is intended to symbolize unification and demonstrate the close working relationship of the army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard and the reserves.

: Pictured at the Veterans Memorial Park in from from left are Armand Bussiere, Post 9150, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lewiston; Irene Pomerleau, Post 31 Auxiliary, Franco-American War Veterans Inc., Lewiston; Sen. Margaret Craven; Marlene Racine; Richard Racine, Post 211, American Legion, Lewiston; Roland Cyr, Marine Corps League; back, Richard Doucette, Post 153, American Legion, Auburn; Jerry Douglass, VFW, Lewiston; Jerry DerBoghosian, adjutant, Post 22, American Legion, Lewiston; Donald T. Dube, past commander, Post 22, American Legion; Arthur Paradis, sergeant-at-arms, Post 22, American Legion; the Rev. Steven Crowson, rector Trinity Episcopal Church; Bert Dutil, past national commander, Franco-American War Veterans Inc.