At the RAAV Committee meeting today Our Chaplain/Advisor shared an ANZAC tale he had come across. An appropriate story for this time of year….
Fighting Mac
I am often asked what a Chaplain does.
It’s a great question and the answer is as diverse as the work of Ambulance Victoria itself. Mostly we are there to pastorally care for our staff and their families, to listen, to share a coffee and support in ways that are very specific to our role as on the ground Chaplains.
In my previous life, as a Salvation Army Officer, I was also in this similar situation of care for people at varying stages of their lives. As we approach ANZAC Day, I felt to share with you a brief glimpse into the life of a famous Salvo Chaplain from World War One.
His name was “Fighting Mac” …The life of World War One Salvation Army chaplain William Mackenzie, or ‘Fighting Mac’ as he would become known, is well known around the world and is an Aussie legend in his own right.
Chaplain to the First Infantry Brigade, Fighting Mac went ashore with the troops at Gallipoli. In one three-day period, he conducted 647 funerals and after one funeral service he found three bullet-holes in his hat. He was later awarded a Military Cross for his work, an honour virtually unheard of for a military chaplain.
You might be interested to google more information around Fighting Mac for your own understanding.
Chaplains and their role are often very misunderstood.
People think about the religious connotation that often comes with the label.
However, we are much more than just about spirituality. You will find Chaplains in every area of Emergency services, Military, and a variety of other forms in Australia.
We are here to serve and support our people, at often very difficult times of their lives.
I am inspired by the service of those who have gone before us. People just like Fighting Mac.
As we pause to remember this ANZAC day and all those people who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, let us offer our deepest respect to all who served.
Even the Chaplains.
LEST WE FORGET.
Gary Grant
Senior Chaplain
Pastoral Care Lead Ambulance Victoria