Being There for Others
Private Ian Sutherland Macpherson was, at various times, a gunner, driver and radioman in a Canadian Sherman tank during World War 2. As part of the South Alberta Regiment, he participated in the Allied liberation of Holland during the winter of 1944. He was just a kid, really. He would become my dad.
Ian Sutherland Macpherson (1943)
I remember my dad talking about his experiences during the war. He rarely spoke of the horrors of battle – the broken bodies and young lives taken from us. Instead he spoke of the things that impacted him most deeply. He told tales of sharing his rations with hungry children in the villages. In later years he remained unable to eat tapioca or rice pudding – there were just too many memories. He talked about shrinking into the lower levels of his tank in terror while rounds bounced off the armour, and about those rounds that didn’t bounce.
In later years, my father would also tell me about The Salvation Army. He insisted that I never pass one of those red kettles without dropping in a coin or two. When I asked why, he told me about the service he received and the caring he experienced. During both world wars The Salvation Army served on the front lines – right where the battle raged. Tea Wagons served refreshments, including donuts, to young men literally yards away from enemy fire. They also distributed socks, scarves, and letters from home. Those Tea Wagons didn’t just bring provisions, they also carried men and women who would pray with the soldiers and spend time in compassionate care.
They were with my dad when he needed them the most.
On November 11th, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who served our country during wartime. More than 1.5 million Canadians have served in battle between 1914 and 2018 and more than 100,000 perished. Today we have young men and women serving around the world in a variety of missions. They keep us safe. They provide us with peace of mind. They are our guardians and for this we say thank you.
This Remembrance Day, please join us in honouring those who have served in our military and those who continue to serve. God bless.
Major Dave Macpherson
Area Commander – Corps
The Salvation Army BC Divisional Headquarters
These traditions and lessons pass down to a third generation as Major Dave’s son, MCpl. Ken Macpherson is currently deployed in the Middle East as part of the allied forces fight against terrorism. We wish him all the best and thank the Macpherson family, along with all those who have served, for their contributions and for their support of The Salvation Army.
MCpl. Ken Macpherson (left) and his unit Cp. William Lowry, Mcpl. Khoa Ho and MCpl. Matt Kotanko