Mary Louise McLeod

1972 National Memorial Silver Cross Mother - Mary Louise McLeod

Mary Louise McLeod

Mary Louise McLeod accompanied by her daughters in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower. (Photo: Saugeen Ojibway Nation History)

(Photo: Saugeen Ojibway Nation History)
Mary Louise McLeod accompanied by her daughters in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower. (Photo: Saugeen Ojibway Nation History)(Photo: Saugeen Ojibway Nation History)

Mrs. Mary Louise McLeod of Neyaashiinigmiing, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Ontario, was the 1972 National Silver (Memorial) Cross Mother. During the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa on November 11, 1972, she laid a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial on behalf of all mothers who have lost a child in military service to Canada.

On January 17, 1944, her son Private Alfred Joseph McLeod, was killed in action in Ortona, Italy while serving with the Perth Regiment.

On July 27, 1944, another son, Trooper John Joseph McLeod, was also killed while on duty in South of Caen, France while serving with the 1st Hussars

Mrs. McLeod, married John, an Ojibwa, who served in both World Wars; the Second with the Veterans Guard. Seven of their children—six sons and one daughter also enlisted in the military.