Minutemen recruiting for Semiquincentennial in 2025
Two hundred fifty years ago, the men and women of Acton and surrounding towns resisted attempts to deny them their rights as British citizens. Part of their struggle, the battle at the Old North Bridge in Acton, changed the world.
With this heritage, we, the citizens of Acton, along with surrounding towns have a unique role to play in commemorating these events. The Acton Minute Men are looking for a few good men and women to join their ranks and keep the spirit of 1775 alive as they prepare for the celebration of the “Semiquincentennial” in 2025.
For more than 60 years the modern day Acton Minute Men have participated in Acton’s Patriots’ Day Parade, Meriam’s Corner exercise, Memorial Day Parade, Flag Retirement Ceremony and other town events. They have also participated in various reenactments, hundreds of parades throughout the state and have also participated in two inaugural parades, the Orange Bowl and have performed in England, Scotland and France.
To keep this strong tradition alive, the Acton Minute Men need help. If you have a love of history and think you would enjoy marching in parades or participating in reenactments, then this organization is the one for you!
For more information about the Acton Minutemen or how you can join, please contact Ensign Paymaster Phil Swain. He can be reached by email at [email protected], or by phone at 617-365-4844.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Who can become a Minute Man?
A: Men and women age 16 or older to be a member. Anyone, including families, can participate together in parades and other family friendly events.
Q: What can I do with the Minute Men?
A: The Minute Men need musketeers, flag bearers, fifers and drummers. No experience necessary! We have the experience and can easily train anyone to get up to speed quickly.
Q: Can I join if I don’t live in Acton?
A: Yes, absolutely.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Actually, not much. The Minute Men hope to have everyone involved in our big events: Merriam’s Corner exercise, Patriot’s Day parade, Memorial Day remembrance and the Veteran’s Day Flag retirement. On top of that the Acton Minute Men are also invited to many other events like the Bunker Hill parade, Marlborough Labor Day Parade as well as many more. These events are a lot of fun and most volunteers choose to attend most but no volunteers are ever required to attend.
Q: How do I get a “uniform”?
A: Actually, the Acton Minute Men were civilians and had no “uniform”. The 1975 group did have a common look, but in the modern day the Minute Men tend to wear more historically accurate attire whenever possible. We have a limited amount of clothing available to help members get started, and a wealth of sources to buy new clothing online as well as locally.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: There are many ways to sign up!
- See us at our table at the Acton Tree Lighting!
- Email us! Captain [email protected] or Ensign Paymaster Phil Swain [email protected] or Past Captain Doug Ellis at [email protected]
