Air Force veteran Mike Curran, left, of Greene helps fellow veteran Charlie Collins of Lewiston with his plate of food Wednesday during the The Exchange Club of Auburn’s luncheon at The Green Ladle in Lewiston. Curran and other members of the service organization invited area veterans to a free lunch ahead of Veterans Day, which is Friday. Exchange Club President Bill Gladu said members have been hosting the annual luncheon for the past 12 years. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Vietnam veteran David Lancaster of Auburn takes off his coat after arriving Wednesday at The Exchange Club of Auburn luncheon hosted for veterans at The Green Ladle in Lewiston. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Veterans and family members say the Pledge of Allegiance during the luncheon Wednesday hosted by The Exchange Club of Auburn at The Green Ladle in Lewiston. Exchange Club President Bill Gladu said members have been hosting the annual luncheon for the past 12 years. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Vietnam veteran Ken Barnett of Lewiston, right, talks Wednesday with Mike Mathieau during the The Exchange Club of Auburn’s veterans luncheon at The Green Ladle in Lewiston. Mathieau is a member of the service organization. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

United States Navy veteran Bill King of New Gloucester bows his head for a moment of silence Wednesday during the The Exchange Club of Auburn’s luncheon at The Green Ladle in Lewiston. The service organization invited area veterans to a free lunch ahead of Veterans Day, which is Friday. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Veterans Norm Theriault, left, and Bill Stretton, both of Lewiston, greet each other Wednesday during the The Exchange Club of Auburn’s luncheon at The Green Ladle in Lewiston. Exchange Club President Bill Gladu said members have been inviting area veterans to the free luncheon for the past 12 years. Veterans Day is Friday.  Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

United States Air Force veteran Al Landry of Auburn gets a hug Wednesday at the veterans luncheon hosted by The Exchange Club of Auburn at The Green Ladle in Lewiston. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Veteran Don Robitaille, 91, of Lewiston rode his bike Wednesday to the veterans luncheon hosted by The Exchange Club of Auburn ahead of Veterans Day, which is Friday. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal