General News
28 August, 2023
Legacy torch relay to touch so many
Legacy has provided crucial assistance to thousands of war widows and their families from the end of World War II to the present time. This year Legacy is celebrating its centenary with a torch relay which will pass through four countries and...
Legacy has provided crucial assistance to thousands of war widows and their families from the end of World War II to the present time.
This year Legacy is celebrating its centenary with a torch relay which will pass through four countries and include the Wimmera on Thursday September 7.
The event is also a fundraising opportunity for Legacy.
Legacy, which was formed in 1923 in response to a dying soldier asking a friend to care for his family, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a torch relay which began at the French WWI battlefield site Pozieres in April and continued through Belgium, then on to England, before arriving in Perth.
It is now crossing Australia.
Horsham organiser Phil Nicks said the relay was an important commemoration for the nation and it was a privilege to work with the families and widows/widowers of ex-service personnel.
"Legacy is recognising the sacrifice of so many families over the past century as well as the efforts of countless volunteers who have supported them through grief and hardship," Mr Nicks said.
“By involving the community, together we pay respect to our Legacy families and keep the Legacy flame alive."
Mr Nicks said the Wimmera leg would start at Horsham's May Park at 9.30am with brief comments by Australia Legacy chairman Eric Eastbrook OAM and at 10am the first torch bearer, longtime Legatee Alex Stewart of Horsham, would take the torch down Darlot Street, then on to McLachlan Street to the Horsham RSL.
Mr Stewart is one of 15 Legatees or people with close connections to Legacy who will carry the torch through Horsham.
From Horsham RSL torch bearers will follow Firebrace Street to the Wimmera River, west along the river to Anzac Bridge, over the bridge, then east to Stawell Road bridge and along the northern river bank to Horsham's Cenotaph.
A cauldron will be lit before Wimmera Legacy president Alan Malcolm of Hopetoun unveils a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
By the end of the relay in Melbourne, the torch will have travelled 55,000 kilometres with 100 stops and have involved 1500 torch bearers.
Legacy’s reach and impact has grown, with 44 branches across Australia and also one in London. It supports 43,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving their country.
Wimmera Legacy has 33 Legatees who care for about 90 widows.
Anyone wanting to donate can email admin@wimmeralegacy.com.au