On Sunday, July 5, 2026, the Acton Bugles Across America conducted its 251st consecutive monthly ceremony at the Acton War Memorial. The gathering of 38 attendees coincided with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the republic and was intended to provide an opportunity to honor the veterans who gave their lives in service to America.
The program opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a participatory reading, by fourteen readers, of the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony concluded with Taps played by Herman Kabakoff and the high school bugler, followed by a minute of silence with illumination.
A living tradition of remembrance
Bugles Across America was founded nationally in 2000 by former Marine Thomas Day to ensure every veteran receives the honor of a live performance of Taps. The buglers play in Acton on the first Sunday of each month at 5:00 p.m. For more than 250 months, these observances have continued without interruption — through rain, shine, and even a memorable blizzard — demonstrating the deep commitment of local volunteers to remember and honor America’s fallen.
David Thoma of Littleton established the Acton program. David Lunger began leading the ceremonies in 2021 and has continued carrying the torch since Thoma’s passing in 2023. Each month, Herman Kabakoff and the high school bugler stand shoulder to shoulder, sounding Taps in solemn tribute to those who paid the ultimate price.
The Declaration of Independence for America’s 250th
This July 5 ceremony held a very special meaning. Acton’s event marked a quarter-century of monthly remembrance, believed to be the only unbroken monthly Bugles observance in the country.
On July 5, patriots gathered next to the Acton War Memorial for the 251st consecutive monthly Bugles ceremony, which honors veterans who gave their lives in service to America. It’s believed to be the longest unbroken string of all the nationwide Bugles ceremonies. Host Dave Lunger welcomed thirty-eight attendees, and then led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Next up was the Declaration of Independence, a group reading by fourteen people. A brief candlelight vigil for the veterans followed, as attendees lit small torch lighters to accompany a moment of silence.
As is tradition, the ceremony concluded with John Qi from A-B Regional High School blowing Taps, followed by former Select Board member Herman Kabakoff blowing Echo Taps from across the street. The crowd then mingled for some conversation.
Katrina J.Buck is an Acton resident and a member of the Acton ARTC.
Acton Exchange reporter James Conboy contributed to reporting for this article.
