LEWISTON – The Thomas J. Field Chapter 2699 will host the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Maine, convention on Saturday, May 17, at the Ramada Inn.

This is the first time Lewiston has been the state convention site, and a large turnout is expected. Last year the national convention was held in Portland, and many awards from that event will be presented at this year’s state conclave.

Joseph Paradis, sergeant-at-arms and founder of the new Veterans Memorial Park, said, “We will be in a position to help those who will want their names engraved on a plaque to be located in the park on Main Street, Lewiston. We will also process new members, as time will be set aside for this purpose.”

There will be a social hour from 11 a.m. to noon, lunch and a ceremony to follow at 1 p.m., the official opening of the convention.

The reservation deadline is May 10. Send money to John Moore, 928 North Main St., Brewer, ME 04412.