Saturday Announced as jUNe Day as 100 Guests Explore Westport
Town of Westport Press ReleaseThe annual jUNe Day celebration will take place on Saturday, June 26 in Westport, when the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut (UNA-SW-CT) and the Town of Westport will host approximately 100 guests from the United Nations. In honor of the day, the flags of many of the 193 member countries of the United Nations will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge this weekend.
The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony to be held outdoors on Jesup Green at 10:30 a.m. and welcome the international guests. First Selectman Jim Marpe and UNA President Bill Hass will welcome the guests, and jUNe Day Chairperson Michaela MacColl will outline the Day’s activities.
This year’s United Nations guest of honor is Mr. Christian Saunders, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Operational Support, who will offer brief remarks and read a special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The annual jUNe Day celebration was established in 1965 by the late Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, the founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut, in observance of the signing of the UN charter on June 26, 1945. Her goal was to honor the work of the United Nations and promote world peace and international understanding through hospitality.
On jUNe Day, United Nations staff and representatives from Governments around the world and their families will participate in a variety of sporting and recreational activities. Due to the pandemic, there has been a reduction in the number of options previously available to our guests. However, they will have access to Compo Beach and the town pools at Longshore Park, tennis, golf at the Longshore Golf Course, and a nature walk and visit to Earthplace. Guests are also encouraged to visit the sidewalk sale on Main Street near Jesup Green and consider having lunch at any one of Westport’s restaurants.
To volunteer, please contact Ms. Andrea Dostal at 203-526-3275 or Andreasusa@yahoo.com. For more information, please contact Bill Hass at (203) 454-7685.