Langley, British Columbia
Mr. MacLeod, both a teacher and military historian, has for more than a decade devoted countless hours to recording the wartime experiences of Canadian Veterans. Mr. MacLeod's oral history project consists of recording interviews with Veterans and making the videotapes available to them free of charge. Since 1995, Mr. MacLeod has organized 10 pilgrimages to Italy and Sicily on behalf of Veterans of the Italian Campaign. During these pilgrimages, he plays the videos at commemorative functions. Mr. MacLeod also videotapes Veterans on pilgrimages, making these videos a rich source of information on the experiences of wartime Veterans. Mr. MacLeod has also written extensively about Veterans and about their lives in various theatres of war. As Military Advisor to the British Columbia Encyclopaedia, which was published as a New Millennium project, he also wrote a 75-page booklet for students entitled "Canada and World War I". In addition to his keen interest in perpetuating the memory of the sacrifice and achievements of Canadian Veterans, Mr. MacLeod takes a personal interest in their well-being, by regularly calling them on the phone or visiting them in hospitals and in their homes. He also ensures that Veterans are driven to their appointments and encourages other Veterans to become involved in the lives of those comrades who require assistance. Mr. MacLeod is a powerful advocate for Veterans and his contributions will bear witness to his accomplishments for many years to come.