SENATOR COLLINS TO MARK ARMED FORCES DAY SATURDAY AT PURPLE HEART CONVENTION IN LEWISTON AND IN SPEECH TO WOMEN

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, will mark Armed Forces Day Saturday by honoring our troops at events in Lewiston and Rockport. In Lewiston, Collins will present a Purple Heart and Bronze Star to the family of a deceased WWII veteran; later in the day she will address members of WAVES, a women's organization for those who have served or are currently serving in one of the sea services, at the Samoset.

"I am honored to mark Armed Forces Day with distinguished veterans and current members of our military," said Senator Collins. "Established in 1949, Armed Forces Day is a time for all Americans to come together and express our appreciation to the members of our military for their services. I want to thank all of those who have served our nation in the armed services. Their patriotism serves as an inspiration to our entire nation."

The following is Senator Collins's schedule for Saturday, May 17, 2003, Armed Forces Day:
12:55 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Medals Ceremony: Purple Heart Convention
Ramada Conference Center
Pleasant Street, Lewiston
Senator Collins will present medals awarded posthumously to a WWII veteran. His family will accept them.

6:50 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Speech Maine Unit #41 of WAVES (Women Veterans of the Sea Services)
Samoset Resort, Rockport
Women veterans and current members of the Sea Services will hear an address by Senator Susan Collins, the senior female member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, about the important contributions of women to the military.