Legacy Torch Relay to pass through Geelong

THE Legacy Centenary Torch Relay will pass through Geelong later this year on its 50,000km journey around the world.

Starting on April 23 in the lead-up to Anzac Day at Pozieres British Cemetery in France, the torch will then head to Belgium and the United Kingdom before travelling to all of Australia’s Legacy Clubs, including Geelong, before its final stop at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance on October 13.

The relay, presented by Defence Health, is a six-month campaign to pay homage and acknowledge veterans’ families, saluting their sacrifice.

The torch will make 100 stops and be carried by about 1,500 torch bearers, with the aim of raising more than $10 million.

Registrations have closed for the 2,000 volunteers needed to help successfully run the relay, but Legacy is still accepting applications for anyone who wants to join the waitlist.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Dr Jana Pittman is an ambassador for the relay, and announced the 100-day countdown to the event last month.

“The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay is a wonderful opportunity to commemorate 100 years of Legacy supporting veterans’ families,” she said.

Governor-General of Australia David Hurley said Legacy’s centenary was an opportunity to reflect on the cumulative impact of Legacy and to celebrate the remarkable contribution Legatees have had on the community.

“I can’t think of an organisation that speaks more of what our nation is about and who we are as Australians, as Legacy.

“In difficult times mates and strangers alike come together and act on a commitment to look after the families of those who fell in the service of our nation.

“It is a commitment as relevant and powerful today as it was when it was first made a century ago, Legacy and legatees epitomised the best of our characteristics, the richness of spirit.”

He said the Legacy torch logo also represented the understanding that departed comrades have passed the torch onto their mates.

“The Legatees’ vow to ‘look after the missus and the kids’ is as stated in the Legacy Ode – ‘Fear not that you have died for naught / the torch you threw to us, we caught / and now our hands will hold it high / Its glorious light shall never die / We’ll not break faith with you who lie / on many a field’.”