Millennium Magazine_7th Ed

163 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY TOM J. DAY FOUNDER, PRESIDENT Bugles Across America Berwyn, IL T om J. Day is the founder and president of Bugles Across America, an organization founded in 2000 subsequent to Congress passing legislation stating that military veterans have the right to at least two uniformed military servicemen to fold the flag and play Taps via an electronic device. Although Mr. Day, a Marine Corps veteran himself, was thrilled to learn of the new law, he was determined to alter the law and have Taps played by skilled buglers at the cemetery. Thus, Bugles Across America came into fruition. In the present day, Bugles Across America has over 5,000 volunteers of men, women and children, having played 3,000 funerals per month over the past two decades. To date, Bugles has played at more than 126,000 funerals. Through his unique efforts, Mr. Day contributed to the alteration of state laws to allow children in middle school to play Taps at funerals and receive civics credits towards their education. Bugle volunteers must first pass an audition, demonstrating their skills to sound Taps in the proper manner. Hailing from a military family, Mr. Day was influenced by his father, who was in the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves. Likewise, he and his siblings participated in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) during their academic studies. Mr. Day went on to serve for eight years in the Marine Corps, where upon his high school graduation, he earned a full scholarship to Ferris Island, South Carolina, for boot camp. He achieved the rank of sergeant. In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to military service, Mr. Day was twice named Marine of the Year by the Marine Corps in 1959 and 1960. In addition, he received a Congressional Gold Medal and Distinguished Service Award. Maintaining membership with the American Legion in his spare time, he attributes his profound success to his diligent work in serving American veterans and undying passion for helping individuals in need. For more information, please visit www.buglesacrossamerica.org .