The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay Completes Journey with its Finale in Melbourne
The finale of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay in Melbourne today (Friday October 13th, 2023) saw 12 torch bearers carrying the torch from Legacy House to The Shrine of Remembrance. The procession was led by the World War II staff car of Legacy Melbourne founder Sir Stanley Savige and followed by a Legacy branded Tram (donated by Yarra Trams) transporting four generations of Legacy beneficiaries.
On arrival at the Shrine of Remembrance the torch passed through 35 representatives of the 45 Legacy Clubs before being handed to His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) who returned the Centenary Flame to the Eternal Flame to signify the end of the celebratory journey.
Today’s proceedings were the conclusion of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay Presented by Defence Health. The relay began its journey in Pozières France on 23rd April, with an official Opening Ceremony, then travelled to Menin Gate, Belgium and onto London Legacy where it was met King Charles III, before arriving in Australia where it has undertaken a six-month journey visiting all Legacy Club locations around the country, culminating in the Melbourne closing ceremony.
During the past six months, the torch travelled from France to Belgium, to the UK and then Australia. There have been 60 Relays visiting 45 Legacy Clubs in Australia. Six Community Days celebrating Legacy and the Centenary within the local community. The team has been on the road for nearly 160 days, travelling over 50,000km for the six month campaign. 1300 Torch Bearers will have carried the torch with 1500 volunteers have helped make it all happen.
Eric Easterbrook OAM, Chairman, Legacy Australia says “Legacy’s Centenary is an important commemoration for our nation. It recognises the sacrifice of so many families over the past century as well as the efforts of countless volunteers who have supported them throughout grief and hardship. It has been an honour to take the torch across the globe and to all corners of our country to allow our broader community to be a party of this special event and share their connection with Legacy. The community support helps Legacy to remain a pillar of support to our veteran’s families to create strong and successful futures”.
Liliana Sanelli, Executive Producer of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay says: ‘As the relay concludes in Melbourne it is exciting to look back on what I believe has been an incredible celebration of 100 years of Legacy. By taking the torch to every Legacy club worldwide we have been able to pay our respects to our Legacy families and keep the undying flame alive for our veterans past and future”.
