MI Torchbearer

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

98-year-old Native American World War II veteran Elmer Knox has been facing a difficult season of life after recently losing his son.

One thing he missed most was seeing his tribal family of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. It had been three years since they had been together.

Then the Detroit Tigers stepped up and created a day he'll never forget. ❤️⚾🇺🇸
Elmer's Tribe.

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day


Fly our American Flag high and proud — because it carries the blood, sacrifice and courage of every American who fought, bled and gave their life so we could be free.

Honor and remember the warriors long gone and those still fighting for us right now, far from home, protecting everything this flag stands for. This is more than cloth and colors, it represents the bravest amongst us choosing to defend what it stands for –FREEDOM, COURAGE AND PROMISE.

May God bless every hero who defended it — and God bless America.

06/13/2026

Our friend Ed Rockwell, born November 19, 1917, went to Heaven at 108 years old — a life so full it’s hard to measure.

History will remember him as a essential worker, but our local children will remember him as their beloved friend and mentor who loved their gifts, surprises and cards.

Ed graduated Jackson High School in 1936 and became a master tool and die maker through hard work and determination. When he tried to enlist during WWII, he was officially deferred as an essential worker needed on the homefront. His skilled hands helped produce aircraft landing gear, precision rifle parts, and critical components for the war effort.

Ed loved golf, poker, online solitaire, and his one beer a day.

But above all, he deeply loved his family. He lost his beloved wife Eleanor in 2008 and still spoke of her with tears in his eyes.

We had planned 109 candies and gifts for your birthday Ed. Instead, the children will decorate your permanent Christmas stocking with 108 lights and candy canes. They will miss you. We will miss you.

Thank you, Ed, for the privilege of calling you our friend. You showed us what a life well lived looks like. We hope your reunion with Eleanor was even more beautiful than you had imagined.

06/12/2026

When you tell the Detroit Tigers that your friends from the are best buddies and love to go everywhere in a group, but you've never been able to have them all honored together at a sporting event.

Thank you Ryan, Shannon and the endless staff that made magic for these heroes of

06/06/2026

So incredibly proud of this young man.....
Caleb a WW2 youth historian has been waiting for this day with such excitement ... Caleb, our local Greatest Generation members are watching you with such pride knowing their legacy is in good hands with you.

Thank you Tours of Duty for making this happen.