FARMINGTON — During the Home and Leisure show planned for May 21, the Farmington Emblem Club No. 460 wants to say thank you to community heroes with a display of photos of area veterans and those who are now serving in any branch.

Emblem Club Americanism Chairperson Nancy Chase is collecting photos from family and friends of service personnel to display on the group’s table at the show on Armed Forces Day. She will accept photos up to the morning of the show.

“It’s a perfect time to recognize our past and present service personnel,” she said.

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s 17th annual Home and Leisure show has moved to the Starbird building on the Farmington Fairgrounds and will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 21. This year there is no admission charge for the public.

A card along with the photo will list each veteran’s name, town, branch and dates served.

Along with the photos, the Emblem Club will provide information for women veterans, Chase said.

Maine female veterans all receive a gold coin, she said. The club will have information regarding how to apply for one and information on the Bangor Women’s Veterans Services.

Chase said her father served in Korea, instilling a love of country, the flag and being an involved American but her work as the Americanism chairperson has helped her come “to appreciate what we have.”

The Americanism committee attends veteran services in the area and holds a flag folding ceremony at many events, she said. In addition, she is one of many volunteers who will help put out nearly 25,000 flags on May 28 at the Veterans Cemetery in Augusta. She also went to Washington, D.C., last December to help with Wreaths Across America.

Photos may be left at the chamber office and need to be picked up there by May 27 or families can contact Chase at 779-0752. She will set up at the fairgrounds on Friday, May 20, from 2 to 6 p.m. and will accept photos then also.

abryant@sunjournal.com