LEWISTON – Donald W. Linscott, convention chairman, has announced final plans for the 85th Veterans of Foreign Wars State Convention, which will be held Friday through Sunday, June 10 to 12, at the Ramada Inn.

Members of the Maine VFW and Auxiliary will gather from 79 posts throughout the state. Opening session will be at noon Friday.

Commander Randy Worthley will introduce Jack Simms, Togus VA Center director; Timothy Politis, executive director, Maine Veterans Homes; Maj. Gen. John W. Libby, Maine adjutant general; Peter Ogden, director, Bureau of Veterans Services; Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins; Congressmen Michael Michaud and Thomas Allen; and Gov. John Baldacci.

Representing the national organization will be Past Commander-in-Chief John Smart, National District Councilman 1 Raymond Lupo, Auxiliary Past National President Betty Morris and National Councilwoman District 1 Theresa Champagne.

VFW and Auxiliary business sessions will start at 2 p.m.

A memorial service and a POW/MIA Tree of Hope ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Holy Cross Church on Lisbon Street.

Saturday’s opening session will begin at 8 a.m. Maine VFW business will include awards, resolutions and election of officers for the 2005-2006 year. A patriotic rally will be held at 2 p.m. and the commander’s and president’s reception will start at 4:30 p.m. The annual convention banquet will start at 6:30.

Installation of officers will start at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, with the VFW being installed by Smart and the Auxiliary will be installed by Morris.

The 86th state convention will be held next June in Portland.