Lieutenant General Sir Stanley George Savige, KBE, CB, DSO, MC, ED, who founded Legacy in Melbourne in 1923 Image reproduced courtesy of Legacy
LEGACY
For 100 years, Legacy has kept its promise to help the families of Defence Force veterans. This milestone was commemorated recently with the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, which travelled from Europe and through all Australian states and territories before being returned to the Eternal Flame at the Shrine of Remembrance.
A Centenary of Service to Veterans’ Families TIM CANSFIELD-SMITH
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egacy stands proudly as the only veteran service organisation in Australia dedicated solely to the care and support of the families of veterans. Founded in Melbourne in 1923 by servicemen returned from the First World War, Legacy has kept a simple promise for 100 years — to look after the families of veterans who have lost their life or health in service to our country in the Defence Force. This year, Legacy marked a centenary of service to the families of veterans, a highlight of which was The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023, presented by Defence Health. The Torch Relay began on Anzac Day at the site of the First World War battlefield of Pozieres, France. After leaving Pozieres, the Torch Relay received a royal welcome by His Royal Highness King Charles III when it visited Buckingham Palace, marking the start of its journey though London before leaving for Australia to visit all Legacy Clubs.
48 NOVEMBER 2023-24 REMEMBRANCE
The Torch travelled 55,000 km over six months, making 112 stops with 1,500 Torch bearers.
Legacy family will always be part of her life when she needs friendship or support.
One such Torch bearer was young war widow and former Legacy beneficiary, Annabelle, whose husband, Josh, served in the Royal Australian Airforce in Afghanistan. Josh returned from Afghanistan in April 2008 and in June 2008 he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Tragically, after a ten-year battle, Josh lost his fight with cancer and passed away in November 2017, just three short months before their daughter Primrose was born.
On 12 October, Annabelle carried the Legacy Centenary Torch as it travelled through the Melbourne CBD for the Melbourne leg of the relay. The next day, in the finale of the Relay, the torch made its final journey from Legacy House on Swanston Street back to the Shrine of Remembrance. The flame that travelled from Europe and through all Australian states and territories was returned to the Eternal Flame at the Shrine by the Governor General of Australia.
Not long after, Legacy stepped in and assisted Annabelle to undertake study and upskill for a new job by helping with childcare payments for baby Primrose. Annabelle is now on the path to self-sufficiency and extremely proud of Josh’s service to his country and his courage in the face of his illness. Sadly, Primrose will never get to meet her father, but her
The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay finished with a moving commemoration ceremony at the Shrine, attended by Legacy beneficiaries, Legatees, members of the Australian Defence Force, government representatives and Legacy supporters.
