State of the State postponed for Gov. Francis memorial service

AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci is delaying his State of the State address, scheduled for today, until Wednesday, Jan. 18, so that he and legislative leaders can attend a memorial service for Passamaquoddy Gov. Melvin Francis.

Francis was killed in an accident last week while driving to his home at Pleasant Point. The memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church on the Pleasant Point reservation in Washington County.

“I will be joining many others to attend the service for Passamaquoddy Governor Francis,” Baldacci said in a prepared statement. “It’s important to allow people time to travel to the service and pay their respects. Governor Francis meant a great deal not only to his people but many in this state. This is the least the state can do in honoring him.”

Maine Public Broadcasting Network, which historically has broadcast the State of the State, agreed to change its schedule and will air the address live statewide from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

In remembrance and honor of the tribal leader, Baldacci also has directed that the United States flag and the Maine flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today.