THOMASTON — Knox Museum will kick off the 2015 season with its fourth annual Boots on the Ground, a Memorial Day Weekend community event honoring America's veterans and active military personnel and their families, Saturday, May 23, at 11 a.m..

The event takes place on the grounds of Montpelier, the big white house just off Route 1 at the turn to St. George. Army Lt. Col. Charles X. Rote will give the keynote address. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

A dress parade begins the proceedings at 11 am. Color guards, rifle units, veterans, active military, re-enactors, scouts, drum and bugle corps, and costumed Montpelier docents are all invited to gather directly behind Montpelier and march around to the flagpole in front of the building, where spectators and special guests will be seated.

Parade participation is open to all, and those wishing to march should arrive by 10:30 a.m. and check in with American Legion Department of Maine First Vice Commander Ronald A. Rainfrette, who will serve as master of ceremonies for Boots on the Ground again this year.

Following the parade, a color guard will raise the flag, soloist Harry Grant will perform the national anthem, and some brief speeches, prayers and tributes will be given leading up to Rote's address. Ceremonies will conclude with a wreath being laid for the fallen in the name of Henry Knox, who served as chief of artillery under George Washington in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and later as general in the United States Army.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies Tenants Harbor Masons and Knox Museum personnel will serve lunch, some of which is provided by donations from Hannaford, along with Jim Barstow and the Masons. Midcoast Community Band, under the direction of Joanne Parker, will provide the musical entertainment, and there will be lawn games set up for children.

Montpelier opens for tours for the season just following the event at noon on May 23. As a member of Blue Star Museums, Montpelier offers free admission to active military families all season long, will offer free military-themed tours for veterans and their families following Boots on the Ground, and will offer free tours to all from noon to 3 p.m. on opening day. For those unable to navigate Montpelier's stairs, costumed docents will circulate during lunch to answer questions and share stories about Henry Knox and his service

Boots on the Ground will go on rain or shine, and attendees are asked to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Some seating will be provided, and in case of inclement weather, a big heated tent.

Montpelier will be open for tours regularly each week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with reduced hours through Columbus Day. Regular 2015 tour admission is: Adults $10, Seniors & AAA $8, Children aged 5-13 $4, Children under 5 are free, and there is a flat family rate of $20.

For more information visit knoxmuseum.org or contact info@knoxmuseum.org or 354-8062.