PARK BENCH FOR LEGACY FOR VETERANS’ FAMILIES
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council’s (CGRC) Parks and Gardens Team have installed a park bench at the Albert Park War Memorial to commemorate Legacy caring for Veterans’ Families.
Originally, it was returned servicemen who took this duty of caring for and supporting widows and children. They later became known as Legatees. To this day, it is the Legatees who volunteer the support that Legacy provides to its beneficiaries. Legacy grew out of the ashes of World War One. Some 60,000 Australian service personnel were killed and more than 150,000 were wounded, many dying soon after. Realizing the dire circumstances of the tens of thousands of veterans, widows and children left behind those who returned set out to help them.
Legacy Clubs started as a small organization with local Legatees assisting local families. Today, there are 44 Legacy Clubs, plus 1 in London, providing emotional, social, and financial support.
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 the Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Vietnam War, as well as campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan and in peacekeeping operations across the globe. Legacy currently supports 40,000 individuals and families across Australia, supported by over 3,400 volunteer members, Legatees.
The park bench recognises Legacy and is a reminder that the organisation has been helping veterans and their families in Australia for 100 years.
CGRC mayor Cr Charlie Sheahan said he was pleased this bench has been installed.
“The installation of this park bench is important recognition of the Legacy organisation, and the work it does in our community to assist veterans and their families. Having it installed at the War Memorial section of Albert Park is a fitting reminder of the sacrifices brave men and women made. It is also a wonderful spot to sit and reflect on how lucky we are as a community and country and pay homage to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Cr Sheahan said.
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A park bench has been installed in Cootamundra’s Albert Park War Memorial to commemorate Legacy and 100 years’ service to veterans and families.
