WESTPORT — The lengthy relationship Westport residents have with the United Nations will be celebrated Monday with a Town Hall ceremony marking the 76th anniversary of the international organization’s founding.

The program will take place at 3:30 p.m. Monday on the steps of Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave. It is being organized by the town’s International Hospitality Committee and the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut.

The late Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, who founded the area UN Association, helped to forge local ties with the United Nations and its officials. Programs planned over the decades to foster an understanding of the UN include the annual jUNe Day, when hundreds of United Nations officials and their families were hosted in town by residents.

In recognition of that relationship, flags of United Nations member countries will be flying on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge in observance of the UN’s founding, which was Oct. 24, 1945.

The public is invited to attend Monday’s free event. Those attending must comply with current health and safety COVID protocols.

This year’s guest speaker is Aye Aye Thant, Westport resident and daughter of former UN Secretary-General U Thant, who will discuss the UN’s mission.

Opening remarks will be delivered by First Selectman Jim Marpe, and Bill Hass, president of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut, will offer a message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Lucas Slater, president, and Aiden Roger, vice president, of the Staples Model UN, will assist in raising the UN flag.

The Staples High School Orphenians a cappella group will perform.

For more information, contact Hass, at 203-454-7685 or 203-434-6609.