Legacy has adopted as its badge the Torch, taken from the poem "In Flanders' Fields".
The symbolism of the Torch is explained below.
The Badge of Legacy symbolises in its torch the undying flame of service and sacrifice handed to us by our comrades in war who have passed on. In its wreath of laurel, with its points inverted in remembrance, is the guerdon of honour; that is the meed of those who gave their lives for their country.
Legacy Hobart made this video of work in the club over its history
HISTORY OF HOBART LEGACY INC
LEGACY AND ITS WORK
Legacy is a uniquely Australian organisation, which was originally formed in Hobart in March 1923 as the Hobart Remembrance Club by Tasmania’s most famous military leader Major General Sir John Gellibrand after the conclusion of World War 1. The first meetings of the Remembrance Club were held in the “Dug-out”, in the basement of an old YMCA building in Murray Street. Later in 1923 the Remembrance Club was visited by one of Gellibrand’s young officers Captain Stan Savige. It was Savige who was instrumental in convening the first meeting of Melbourne Legacy with a small group of World War I veterans who believed that they must accept a legacy of responsibility for the welfare of the wives and children of their comrades who had either died during the 1914-18 war or subsequently.
Those who became members of Legacy were called Legatees and this title has continued to the present day.
In carrying on its task Legacy puts great emphasis on personal contact. The spirit of Legacy is service, which is provided by over 6700 Legatees throughout Australia to widows, children and disabled dependents of those who served in all conflicts. This covers not only the World Wars, but also Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq, all Peacekeeping Forces and those serving in the Solomon Islands and Indonesia. More than 115,000 widows, 1900 children and disabled dependents are enrolled Australia-wide.
Legacy provides advice and practical assistance in many forms, such as War Widows' Pensions, assistance with residential care, medical, dental, welfare, legal, education, employment, rental and housing.
Legacy has always had a great interest in education and youth advancement. Legacy camps and other youth programs gave juniors the opportunity for cultural, physical and recreational growth. While the number of Legacy children (Junior Legatees in Tasmania) has decreased and Legacy camps are almost a thing of the past, Legacy continues to provide assistance for Junior Legatees to participate in developmental training camps now run mainly by like-minded organisations external to Legacy.
It will be many years before Legacy's task is completed, even if Australia is not involved in any more conflicts. It is important that the ideals of Legacy are not forgotten by the young people of Australia.
