03/29/2018
Legacies Do Not Break or Expire
Pvt. Malcolm Drummond was interred at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, PA (VA.gov, 2018), and listed as one of the “Lonely 17…U.S. veterans whose remains went unclaimed by family members and sat in a morgue in Philadelphia for several years (Foster, 2017)”. Like many Malcolm Drummonds throughout world history - his life seems anything but “lonely”. Was Pvt. Malcolm Drummond also the Mr. Malcolm Drummond the community, and volunteering, leader of Philadelphia who left a “legacy” (Lin, 2013) described in several newspaper articles? Or, are these two different people who both served their country in different ways?
Either way, both of their life stories are important to document and demonstrates that the Project NAGA™, Inc. Bridge Model™ is effective at telling the life stories of both civilian and military trailblazers. There is one interesting fact of this research. During the last 800 years, if your name was Malcolm Drummond then, throughout history you probably lived a very colorful and exciting life. And the approach of this life story is to honor Pvt. Malcolm Drummond by telling the history of his name and comparing his accomplishments to other Malcolm Drummonds during the last eight centuries.
The Pvt. Malcolm Drummond interred at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, PA (VA.gov, 2018) and Malcolm Drummond documented in newspaper articles have the same unique name, seem to have the same date of death, age, and both lived in the Philadelphia Area. They could still be two different people, but when we tell life stories we try to focus first on accomplishments following military service or take some other creative approach to honoring these fallen veterans. However, one interesting detail came up during our research. Over the last eight centuries, the name Malcolm Drummond is continually associated with incredible accomplishments, community service, helping two countries gain independence--civil wars, world wars, art, League of Nations (pre-United Nations), ambassadorships, castles, and royalty.
Once we receive more information from Pvt. Malcolm Drummond’s military records, it will be published, but this is a story of a name - Malcolm Drummond, a name that has lit the world like fire for over 800 years. Unfortunately, when Pvt. Malcolm Drummond was interred along with 16 other unclaimed veterans, his story attracted almost zero Likes/Shares/Comments, and only about 50 people attended the ceremony (Foster, 2017). Let us ensure the entire country knows the story of Pvt. Malcolm Drummond. Please Like/Comment/Share: To show we have not forgotten Pvt. Malcolm Drummond and the 800 years of the name Malcolm Drummond.
Origins of Clan Drummond
Around the thirteenth century, Clan Drummond seems to have formed and started the great legacy of the name Drummond. “In 1225, a descendant of the admiral known as Malcolm Beg (Little Malcolm) is recorded as being Seneschal (Chamberlain) of the Lennox and taking on the name Malcolm of Drymen” (Unknown, 2009). Then the first chief of Clan Drummond to appear in written records was “Malcolm Beg, Chamberlain of Lennox”. From this point forward in history, the clan chief will be known as “An Drumanach Mór”. And that translates to “The Great Man of Drymen” (Unknown, 2009).
SIR MALCOLM DRUMMOND, Defying a King, Independence, and Jail
The clan’s first recorded chief to take the name was Malcolm Drummond, whose son, also called Malcolm, fought at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Sir Malcolm was the “ninth chief of the house of Drummond” (Scotwb, 2017), and was very successful under the leadership of King Robert Bruce of Scotland.
“Malcolm of Drymen’s son, Malcolm of Drummond”, initially swore an oath to the King of England, Edward I. However, he later defied King Edward I and fought twice for the independence of Scotland in the Wars of Scottish Independence.
He is credited with the employment of innovative military tactics that “were highly destructive against the English cavalry” (Libby, 1997). The Clan Drummond continually fought for the independence of Scotland, and Malcolm of Drummond was “twice captured by the English” and jailed (Scotclans.com, 2009).
14th Century and Castles
Sir Malcolm, the eldest great-grandson of the aforementioned Malcom, obtained the clan home, Stobhall Castle (Scotweb, 2017). Sir John Drummond acquired the lands of Stobhall through his marriage to Mary Mountfichet (Stobhall.co.uk, 2017).
Stobhall Castle was the headquarters of the Drummond Clan until 1491 when they moved to another castle - Drummond Castle. Over the course of 500 years, Clan Drummond would acquire or be associated with several castles. Stobhall, Drummond, Newtown, Balmoral, and Megginch Castles are what the Drummond Clan would use as their headquarters, or were connected with the clan.
Six Centuries of Conflict, Accomplishments, and the League of Nations
During the next 600 years, there were marriages, deaths, civil wars between clans, and even murders. However, the Clan Drummond and the name Malcolm Drummond survived. Sir Malcolm was murdered in 1403, but the clan survived, and he was succeeded by his brother John (Libby, 1997). Then centuries of clan conflicts and civil wars continued until the 19th century. James Drummond served as the first secretary-general of the League of Nations for 13 years (WDL.org, 2017). But, what becomes of the name Malcolm Drummond in the United States?
Defying England (Again)… American Revolutionary War
According to the 1960 application for entry into the National Society Sons of the American Revolutionary one Malcolm C. Drummond provided three references that he was a descendant of Isaac Voorheis (Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970). Revolutionary War pension records show that Isaac Voorheis “served as a substitute for his father John in the Revolutionary War" (M. A., 2010).
Furthermore, the application of Malcolm C. Drummond lists his military history. Malcolm C. Drummond was an ROTC cadet at Michigan State University from 1948-1952. Then he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May of 1952. Lt. Drummond continued to serve past 1952 with tours in Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Japan; and Korea. During this time, he earned “one combat battle star” presumably for service during the Korean War (Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970).
Pvt. Malcolm Drummond, World War I (WWI), and the Battle of Belleau Wood
Another Malcolm Drummond appears as Pvt. Malcolm Drummond in WWI, and is part of a historic battle of WWI that still serves as an example of accomplishing the impossible - The Battle of Belleau Wood (citation). Recruits in Marine Corps Boot Camp are still taught the legacy of Belleau Wood. “This was a battle that exemplified the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage, and commitment. It was a battle that catapulted the Marine Corps to worldwide prominence. And it was a battle that helped turn the tide of WWI in favor of the Allies” (Hoeferlin, 2013).
WWI Marine Malcolm Drummond rose quickly through the ranks of the Marine Corps. In less than two years, he went from Recruit Drummond, Company "A", Marine Barracks, Paris Island, SC, May 5, 1917, to Sergeant Drummond, Company "A"(17th), 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, American European Forces, March 19, 1919. Also, three other individuals with the name Malcolm Drummond registered for the WWI draft (U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958).
Malcolm Drummond the Artist and World War II (WWII)
The name Malcolm Drummond is even tied to the art community, and several individuals named Malcolm Drummond volunteered to register for the draft and enlist during WWII (World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946). Malcolm Drummond, British painter, risk taker, and another person with the name that followed a unique path to changing our world for the better.
Malcolm Drummond, a “promising student”, graduated in 1902 with a degree in history from Christ Church, Oxford”, and started a successful career managing estates in Yorkshire. However, his passion for art and music could not be contained. After only a year into a career that would bring him great rewards, in 1903 he “made the brave decision to abandon his job” and “commit his life to art” (Moorby, 2003).
Then the artist Malcolm Drummond went on to found the Camden Town Group in 1911, and London Group in 1913 (Malcolm Drummond 1880–1945 British). His paintings and drawings are magnificent. Similar to individuals that held his name in world history, he became part of history. He did this by painting historical events. Then, as during WWI, when the draft for WWII began, the Malcolm Drummonds in the United States volunteered (World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942).
Malcolm Drummond, Philadelphia, PA, Community Leader, and Pvt. Malcolm Drummond
There are several connections to the Malcolm Drummond documented in newspaper articles during the 2000 era, and to the Pvt. Malcolm Drummond interred in the Washington Crossing National Cemetery. First, the identical spelling of their names, and both resided in the Philadelphia Area. Additionally, during a recent conversation with Rev. Dr. Rodney D. Rodgers, Pastor, Christ of Calvary Covenant Church, Philadelphia, PA he stated, “I remember Malcolm talking about going to the VA for services” (Rodgers, R. 2018).
Importantly, they seemed to share the same date of death. The Department of Veterans Affairs Nationwide Gravesite Locator lists DRUMMOND, MALCOLM, PVT, US ARMY, and DATE OF DEATH: 06/16/2013 (VA.gov, 2018). On June 24, 2013, an extensive obituary for Malcolm Drummond, Philadelphia, PA is written in the Philadelphia paper. His date of death is documented in the article as June 16, 2013, and that is the same date of death as Pvt. Malcolm Drummond (VA.gov, 2018). Importantly, his friends said he, “left a legacy of helping others” (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2013).
2008 Philadelphia, PA
The next article documents the life of Mr. Malcolm Drummond who moved back to Philadelphia, PA after a very successful career in acting. In the Thursday, November 27th, 2008 edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an article appeared about a Mr. Malcolm Drummond stating his residence as Philadelphia, PA (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2008).
Mr. Drummond is highlighted in the section of the newspaper article titled “The Power of One” with Rev. Dr. Rodney Rodgers. The article discusses Mr. Drummond’s many accomplishments, successful career, overcoming drug use, going homeless, surviving, and then his volunteering leadership to “cook for the church”. The article stated he was a “Broadway dancer, soap opera extra, and a Hollywood stuntman” (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2008).
This article established the Philadelphia connection to Pvt. Malcolm Drummond interred at the cemetery. Importantly, his list of accomplishments is incredible. He worked in New York as a dancer and soap opera extra, and then moved to Los Angeles for stunt work. During this time he worked as a stuntman in the Baretta television series, dancer in Hello Dolly! and the movie Superman. However, after surviving hard times, he returned to his passion for serving the community and cooking (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2008, 2013).
In the 2008 Philadelphia Inquire article, it makes an observation about Mr. Drummond that would turn into his legacy. The article states, “Volunteering to help cook is Malcolm.” For Thanksgiving 2008, he put on his chef’s coat to “prepare eight turkeys for 142 people”. Mr. Drummond spent over a decade helping people with addictions, AIDS/HIV, mental illness, and volunteering at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2008, 2013). Over the next several years, Mr. Drummond would continue his volunteering efforts and become a community leader.
2013 Philadelphia, PA
Mr. Malcolm Drummond grew up in Philadelphia, PA in the 1940s and 50s. From an early age he taught himself dancing by using the “lids of cans” attached to his shoes and dancing for coins in Philadelphia near City Hall (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2013). Those self-taught skills took him to New York to dance on Broadway, California to work as a stuntman, and to develop self-taught cooking skills that would be used later in life to help his community (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2008).
During his life, his work in California to New York took him from great successes to homelessness and on to finally becoming a community leader. However, he spent his later years serving his community and creating a legacy for future generations. Rev. Dr. Rodney Rogers, states, “He moved on from his selfish way of life to a more generous life of helping others.” Even just a few years before his death on June 16, 2013, Mr. Drummond continued to volunteer at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and feed the homeless.
Along with the Philadelphia connection, this article establishes two additional connections to Pvt. Malcolm Drummond interred at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery. They both have the same date of death and are very close in age. Pvt. Malcolm Drummond was interred at 68 years 8 months 24 days, and this article lists his age as 69 (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2013). However, this could be an error as the first article, incorrectly listing his age of 74 in 2008 (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2008).
One of the main goals of Project NAGA™, Inc. is to ensure the life history, accomplishments, and lessons of veterans are made a permanent part of history. Honoring a veteran whose remains were listed as “unclaimed”, “kept in the city morgue for years”, and described as one of the “Lonely 17” is usually done by writing about the military history of the veterans (Foster, 2017). However, telling the story of the history of the name of the veteran is admittedly a completely different approach. But by doing so, it demonstrates how a single name has become a critical part of world history for almost a millennium.
Furthermore, for teachers and college professors looking for new ideas for teaching, this example demonstrates a different approach to research. Instead of researching a particular subject online, in the library, or in archives…try searching just the name of a veteran. Typically, you will find the name of a veteran is tied to hundreds of years of history, art, culture, world wars, community service, dancing, acting, and making history.
Importantly, this life story demonstrates that for almost a thousand years, anyone who carried the name Malcolm Drummond was anything but lonely, took risks, lived a life of adventure, and always created a legacy. Throughout world history every Malcolm Drummond was not only present at historic events but also created history, freed countries, and served his community. And it seems Mr. Malcolm Drummond and Pvt. Malcolm Drummond of Philadelphia, PA were no different and the same individuals. Pvt. Malcolm Drummond leaves a legacy of community service that will be recorded in history, taught to future generations of social workers, and an artist will paint his portrait.
Conclusion…A Legacy
In conclusion, how does the legacy of Pvt. Malcolm Drummond, Philadelphia, PA compare to other individuals with the same name during the last 800 years? Pvt. Malcolm Drummond of Philadelphia was an accomplished dancer, actor, stuntman, cook, volunteer, military veteran, and survivor. Pvt. Malcolm Drummond of Philadelphia, PA never received a noble title. However, by dedicating years of his life to serving the community it will inspire generations to come.
And that is what creates a legacy – actions that inspire others. The creation of a legacy is critical to any life. After surviving, his actions prove it is not what you have, the size of your home, car, or having a nice wedding band. The actions of a person are what create a legacy, and at any point in life a person can chose to start his or her legacy.
After a successful career, and surviving homelessness and drug addiction, Pvt. Malcolm Drummond could have chosen to spend his time going to concerts, socializing, or playing the latest game console. Instead he chose to be a true survivor, and creates a legacy that is becoming the greatest gift to his community.
His gift to the community was not an XBOX, PlayStation, Switch, or anything materialistic. It was a gift that never breaks or expires. In that context, the legacy of Pvt. Malcolm Drummond of Philadelphia, PA stands above others that hold his name. The life story of Pvt. Malcolm Drummond demonstrates using God given skills to go from the streets of Philadelphia to Broadway, being a true survivor, and creating a legacy of service.
His community, pastor, professors, business owners, individuals with doctorates, and journalists say he left a “legacy of helping others” (The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2013). Significantly, his life story is being told to future generations of students and inspired an artist to paint his portrait. His legacy stands with others who hold his name.
Special thanks to Justin Blake Cross, Nicole Jones-Severn, Neil Benjamin, Ryan McNeary, Jerry Phillips, and Chuck Perry.
© Copyright Project NAGA™, Inc. 2018
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