Gift to those who gave all
Legacy’s work vital for families
IT’S a week that takes the limelight once a year, but for many families across Australia the work done by Legacy lasts a lifetime.
Legacy Week will end today following another mammoth fundraising effort that will help families of Defence personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The week is a sombre reminder that when the battles are over and the parades end for another year, life goes on day-to-day for countless Australians touched by the grim realities of war.
Chief of Staff at Lavarack Barracks’ Combat Training Centre Lieutenant Colonel Damien Green said one of Legacy Week’s most important functions was highlighting the vital functions carried out by Legacy.
“We see nothing but great support from the community,” said Colonel Green, who is also a Legacy volunteer and board member.
“I’m extremely proud to be part of Legacy; I come from a Defence family of three generations and my experience in the military has made it possible to play my part with such an important organisation.
“There’s no doubt what sacrifices and hardship serving your country entails.
“Those men and women who have served, and their families, deserve our support.”
Legacy was founded in the grim aftermath of World War I when Australian society was flipped on its head after 60,000 service personnel were killed and 150,000 wounded.
A volunteer service was established by returned servicemen who took care of and supported widows and children, and those volunteers became known as Legateers.
Today Legacy is still caring for tens of thousands of widows who have lost their loved ones and been affected by their partner’s service in
World War II, the Korean War, Malayan Emergency, and Vietnam War, as well as campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lieutenant Colonel Ken Golder, commanding officer of the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, said recent developments in Afghanistan had served as a reminder to Australians of the challenges facing the Defence community, and how world developments could impact our society.
“It’s another reminder that, at short notice, we need to be ready,” he said.
“It’s a reminder that as a community it’s important to look out for each other.
“Legacy has been up for 75 years and it’s a longstanding commitment and relationships, and we will continue to get stronger. We are there helping families pick up the pieces and supporting them along the way.”