Memorial Day Tribute: The Legend of “Bun” Troy
Americans set aside Memorial Day to remember the sacrifices of current and past servicemen and women. The last Monday in May also kicks off the summer season. So here’s a small tribute on a beautiful day.
Sorry about the loud wind for a few seconds early on. We were fighting some tough ambient noise.
The 1912 Detroit Tigers team that Bun Troy played on was notable for a couple reasons. First, Troy was teammate to Ty Cobb–one of the greatest and nastiest ballplayers who ever lived. During a May game in Manhattan that year Cobb charged into the stands after a fan who had been taunting and insulting him all afternoon. Cobb beat the man–a political hack named Claude Lucker–mercilessly and was suspended. The Tigers players went on the first baseball strike to protest.
1912 was also the first season the team played in Tigers Stadium. On April 20 that year, Shoeless Joe Jackson of Cleveland became the first player to ever score a run in that stadium.
Baseball is a game of statistics, so here’s one for you. In total, five Major League Baseball players died in World War I.
Americans served alongside brave fighters from many countries during those World Wars. England, Canada, France, Russia, Australia and more sent some of their best citizens to challenge aggressions and defend freedom. We all remember in different ways but universally appreciate the willingness of someone to sacrifice their life for others.
I wrote this Memorial Day tribute last year to honor a few men who went above and beyond the call of duty in ways that are nearly impossible to grasp. Check out their stories and find some more from the folks around you. They’re pretty amazing.
I’d love to see some more great tributes so leave any such links you have written or found in the comments below.
Who do you know that’s served? Feel free to leave their name here today.
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Life. Culture. Education.
Life as Pop Culture Professor Clay Morgan
In The Matrix, Morpheus tells Neo he can take the blue pill and go on believing whatever he wants to believe. Or he can take the red pill to stay in Wonderland and find out how deep the rabbit hole goes.
This is a red pill type site that provides information in an entertaining way. It’s about clear thinking and good writing. It’s about finding meaning amidst the absurd. It’s about humor and truth.
I’m a writer / speaker who teaches history and political courses at a couple of local colleges. Where is local, you say? Well, that would be Wonderland of course.
On topics ranging from pop culture to the meaning of life, my brain’s always poppin’. Take the red pill and unplug.
EduClaytion 
Great tribute to our veterans, and what an interesting story. Thank you so much for sharing.
Tributes to veterans: My great uncle died in WWII. I did a memorial to him on my blog today. Both my grandfathers served our country in WWII. My uncle served our country in Vietnam as a medic (two tours–can you imagine?). My husband served at the DMZ in Korea for a year, and by brother-in-law served for a year in Iraq. They’re all heroes in my book.
You got that right. Great tribute today too. Here is the link everyone:
http://catierhodes.wordpress.com/2011/05/29/fallen-heroes/
This is a great tribute, Clay! I doubt I would’ve despised history so much if I’d had teachers like you. This is fascinating!
My Grandpa and Uncle Bob served in the Air Force flew in Vietnam. My Grandma was a flight nurse for the AF. My Aunt Ginger served overseas with the AF. My Dad served as a submariner in the Navy. I have countless friends who’ve served in all branches, including 3 former students who are now officers. I value the commitment and sacrifice they’ve each made!
Wow, that’s quite a military group. Every person who serves deserves our thanks.
Thanks for a great tribute. It was upbeat and I needed that today.
I’m glad you enjoyed JH. Thanks for commenting.
I see this Civil War monument with the Union soldier. But holy you know what breaks out over statues re Civil War Confederate soldiers. The winners write the history, huh? Ted Williams served 3 years WW2 and two years Korea. Can you imagine what 5 additional years of stats would have been? And he was at his peak.
Yup, Joey D, Bob Feller and others gave time to WWII, but Teddy certainly gave the most. His stats would’ve been untouchable.
I LOVE the concept of “Dash.” What a marvelous graveyard and a beautiful tribute. Thanks, Clay.
Thanks Piper. I’ll probably resurrect that book someday and really try to do something with it. The title worked nicely on two levels. It’s about a guy who oversees a cemetery. Go figure.
ah! Awesome story. THanks so much for sharing this tribute.
AND, I want to read your novel. It sounds awesome. Great concept! 🙂
Thanks Ellster. Maybe I’ll bring it back sometime and make a go of it.
I am ashamed to say that we did the “launch into summer thing” yesterday. It has been miserable and rainy for the entire month of May and yesterday the sun came out, so the entire family came over.
That said, I have had many vets as former students. And I have have uncles who have served. I know doctors who have served as far back as Korea and as recently as Iraq. These people are to be admired.
I honestly don’t understand why we as a nation don’t do something on a daily basis to make us remember that we are actively involved in several conflicts – if for no other reason to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who serve our country. Great post.
I think many people do live with that constant awareness, but I don’t know how you get an entire nation to thing in that way. We’ve been in some conflict or another for a century straight now. Thanks for your thoughts.
Dash=coolest concept ever. Seriously.
I love mini-biographies, like the one you gave in the video. It’s why I like reading obituaries. I think the most interesting question out there is “What’s Your Story?”
Thanks for telling one.
Thanks Leanne. Yeah, that story is one of so many that I learned in my time at the cemetery.
Most excellent. Hee-rose. Says the southerner.
I’ve been a military brat my whole life. Officers include: my grandfather, my dad, my brother, my brother-in-law, my brother-in-law’s brother, my aunt, my uncle, my best friend from high school.
Thanks Jess. Do you have that much of a drawl? Funny.
Good post, man. Great story. Thankful for all who have served and are serving.
You know it Matt.
Gosh! Born a German die an American. Love the name “Bun” Troy. Troy with buns. 🙂
That’s rights. What an interesting life huh?