The General Henry Knox Museum invites the community to its 12th Annual Boots on the Ground event. This Memorial Weekend celebration honors veterans, military personnel, and their families. The event will take place on Saturday, May 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the grounds of Montpelier, which is the big white house just off Route 1 at the turn to Saint George in Thomaston. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.

The festivities will commence and end with patriotic ceremonies to commemorate the importance of the holiday weekend and honor the service and sacrifice of America's armed forces. The keynote speaker will be Jeanne (Sam) Bokina Christie, Donut Dollie, Vietnam. One of 627 women who chose to join the Supplemental Recreational Activities Organization (SRAO), a program of the Red Cross. These Donut Dollies provided morale to military personnel through activities and conversation which allowed the service members to briefly relax and escape the realities of war. Come join us, to hear Sam speak about her experience amongst this unique group of women. Maine Paws for Veterans will also be in attendance. After the ceremonies, Tenants Harbor Masons, and Knox Museum personnel will serve lunch.

From noon to 2 p.m., Montpelier will be open for free admission for veterans and active-duty military and their families. The event will occur rain or shine under the big white tent on the front lawn.

Knox Museum is a proud participant in the National Endowment for the Arts Blue Star Museum program, offering free admission to Montpelier for active military and their immediate families. Montpelier will be open for weekly tours, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with reduced hours through Columbus Day.

For more information, please contact 207-354-8062 or dallen@knoxmuseum.org.