United Nations members were welcomed with open arms to Westport Saturday during the 54th annual jUNe Day.

The day started with a ceremony at Saugatuck Elementary School to welcome more than 300 guests from the United Nation community.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to welcome people from the UN who make a real difference in our lives, not just locally, but globally," said First Selectman Jim Marpe.

Organizers say because many of the members are far from home, it's important New York's surrounding communities remind them how welcome they are here.

"Our purpose here is to promote peace and international friendship. To acquaint people from the United Nations community in New York to life outside New York City," said Bill Haas, of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut.

The day continued with many activities, including a soccer game between the Westport Knights and UN members from across the globe.

The annual celebration was established in 1965. It's held in observance of the signing of the UN charter on June 26, 1945.