FAIRFIELD -- Armed Forces Day will be observed here Saturday with a patriotic caravan, speakers and awards ceremonies recognizing the nation's military.

Events are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., in the gymnasium at Kennebec Valley Community College on Western Avenue.

Town planning assistant Shirley Melancon said the Greater Fairfield Area Veterans Appreciation day will honor veterans and active members of the military from all branches of the U.S. armed forces, including the Reserves and the National Guard.

"We had just a committee in the beginning and they agreed we would not turn anybody away," Melancon said of the event, which is open to the public. "If a veteran has called and they are from Augusta or Winslow and said 'Can I come,' we said absolutely."

U.S. President Harry Truman proclaimed the first Armed Forces Day on May 20, 1950. Every year since then, on the third Saturday in May, the nation has honored the men and women who have served in uniform in war and in peace since the nation's founding.

Special guests on Saturday are to include U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud and Deb McNeil, representing U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe.

Local dignitaries also are scheduled to address the gathering, including a section on women in the military by a female World War II veteran and a brief address concerning homeless veterans.

Dirigo Young Marines will present the colors for the event and Lawrence High School custodian Terry Cooley -- the singing janitor -- will sing national anthem. A POW/MIA station also will be dedicated in the gymnasium.

Gold Star Mothers, women who have lost sons in the wars, will be honored as will members of the Legion and VFW and auxiliaries with more than 50 years of service.

A luncheon is scheduled after the speeches at the Fairfield Community Center on Water Street next to the police station.

Melancon said more than 200 veterans and their guests already have signed up for the event.

Fairfield Fire Chief Duane Bickford will provide a fire truck escort to the Community Center, Melancon said.

"The American Legion donated little suction cup flags that the vets are going to put on their cars and we're going to kind of caravan down to the Community Center and the police are going to block off the intersection," she said.

Marchers also will unveil a playground next to the Community Center. The playground was funded by the VFW.

The original committee was formed under then-Fairfield planner Rosie Bradley last fall, Melancon said. It was made up of military veterans and members of the auxiliaries of the local VFW and American Legion.

Doug Harlow -- 861-9244

dharlow@centralmaine.com