Come one, come all!

That’s the invitation John A. Pernorio has extended in regards to tomorrow’s celebration of some major milestones at the Johnston Senior Center.

“It’s going to be a historic day, for sure,” said Pernorio, who serves as president of the Rhode Island Alliance of Retired Americans (RIARA). “And we’ll have the entire Washington delegation with us as we celebrate two of the greatest events in our nation’s history.”

Tomorrow marks date on which President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law back in 1935.

Moreover, the RIARA – which is affiliated with the Rhode Island AFL-CIO – will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid’s 50th anniversary. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed those two programs into law.

“Everyone’s excited about the two-fold birthday bash,” said Pernorio, who lives in North Providence and has lined up a high-powered speaking program, a huge birthday cake, and the giveaway of 50 commemorative T-shirts. “We welcome Rhode Islanders to join us.”

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena will lead off the morning’s program beginning at 11:30 a.m. Pernorio will follow and introduce U.S. Sen. Jack Reed.

“I’m thrilled that all four members of our Washington delegation will join us,” Pernorio said. “Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Congressmen James Langevin and David Cicilline, will deliver short messages, and the entire ceremony will conclude at 12:30.”

Pernorio said that other confirmed speakers will be Charles Fogarty, the former lieutenant governor who now heads the state’s Division of Elderly Affairs, and Social Security specialist Catherine Leblanc.

George Nee, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, will complete the speaking program, which will be followed by cutting of the cake and the raffling of 10 CVS gift cards.

“We’re honored that the Association of Retired Americans chapter has selected the Johnston Senior Center to celebrate these two very, very important events in our nation’s history,” said Tony Zompa, the center’s executive director. “This will mark the second time this summer that we’ve had all four Washington representatives in our building.”

Back in June, the center and Polisena hosted a “Welcome to Johnston” event for Mayor Pasquale Ciruolo of Panni, Italy, and the signing of a historic sister cities agreement between the two towns. The event drew dignitaries from all over the state.

Pernorio, who will serve as emcee for tomorrow’s event, also announced that the gathering will include a special salute to the late 1st Sgt. Peter Andrew McKenna, 36, a Bristol native and Green Beret who was killed during an ambush in Afghanistan.

The Johnston Senior Center is located at 1291 Hartford Ave.